Barcelona, Spain – Paris Basketball secured a significant upset victory over FC Barcelona with a final score of 74-85 in a EuroLeague Round 28 match played on . The win marks a notable performance for Paris Basketball, while Barcelona faces increasing challenges with injuries and inconsistent form.
The game highlighted Barcelona’s struggles with rebounding and a depleted roster due to injuries to key players including Kevin Punter and Satoransky, as well as Juan Núñez. The team relied heavily on Dario Brizuela, who led Barcelona with 15 points, supported by Toko Shengelia and Nicolas Laprovittola with 11 points each. However, these efforts were not enough to overcome Paris Basketball’s dominance, particularly in the second half.
Paris Basketball established an early lead with a fast-paced offensive strategy focused on quick transitions and steals. Herrera initiated the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by contributions from Hifi, who emerged as the top performer for Paris. The initial surge saw Paris take a 2-11 lead, prompting a timeout from Barcelona to adjust their strategy and introduce Laprovittola, Brizuela and Shengelia into the game. These changes helped Barcelona narrow the gap to 18-21 by the end of the first quarter.
Barcelona attempted to rally in the second quarter, with contributions from Laprovittola, Brizuela, and Shengelia. However, Paris Basketball maintained a consistent offensive pressure, relying on the individual brilliance of players like Hifi and Rhoden. Despite Barcelona’s efforts, they trailed 43-39 at halftime.
The turning point of the match came in the third quarter, where Barcelona faltered under the pressure of Paris Basketball’s relentless attack. The team was further hampered by an injury to Vesely, who was unable to continue playing due to back discomfort. Robinson and Hifi led the charge for Paris, exploiting Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities. Paris extended their lead to 55-67 by the end of the third quarter.
Barcelona’s struggles continued in the final quarter, compounded by poor shooting from beyond the arc – converting only 2 of their first 14 three-point attempts (and ultimately 5 of 32 overall). The absence of key players and the ineffective performance of others, particularly Clyburn, who struggled with his shots and overall impact, proved too much to overcome. Clyburn’s difficulties included missed shots and a lack of presence on the court, contributing to Barcelona’s decline.
The combination of injuries and Clyburn’s poor performance proved decisive, leading to a demoralized Barcelona side that struggled to compete. The team’s lack of energy and confidence was evident in their body language and overall play. The loss pushes Barcelona further away from the top positions in the EuroLeague standings, while Paris Basketball continues to build momentum.
The victory for Paris Basketball comes as Valencia also secured a win against Villeurbanne with a score of 82-67, further solidifying their position in the league. Barcelona’s defeat raises concerns about their ability to compete at a high level, particularly given their current roster challenges and the need for improved performance from key players.
Within Barcelona, there has been a shift in leadership, with Punter now being cited as a key figure in the locker room, previously a role held by Vesely. Punter’s work ethic and competitive spirit are praised by teammates, but his absence due to injury has undoubtedly impacted the team’s performance. The team is currently experiencing a two-year period without a championship, adding to the pressure to turn their fortunes around.
The game underscored the importance of consistent performance and a healthy roster in the highly competitive EuroLeague. Barcelona’s struggles highlight the challenges faced by teams dealing with injuries and the need for depth and resilience to succeed. Paris Basketball’s win demonstrates the potential for teams to achieve success through a combination of strategic play, individual brilliance, and a relentless competitive spirit.