Defeat and the end of the series for Paris

It’s mathematical that series always come to an end. So, after 25 victorious games in all competitions, our Parisians lost their first ever playoff game to Cholet (81-91).

This Wednesday, in front of over 5,300 spectators, Paris suffered its first setback at the adidas arena. It was a painful defeat in a quarter-final that went to the best-of-three games. Tuomas Iisalo’s men already have their backs against the wall and must win at all costs at La Meilleraie to force a game 3.

Fin de notre série de victoires. On va tout donner à Cholet samedi pour rester en vie et forcer un match 3 à la maison. pic.twitter.com/EgVRfLdaij

— Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) May 15, 2024

Yet everything had started so well. Coach Iisalo received his title of best coach of the season from Lionel Jospin and TJ Shorts II was awarded two titles: best scorer of the season and, of course, MVP.

But Cholet came to spoil the party. An insolent success, an iron defense, 5 players with more than 10 points with a majuscule performance by the very soon NBA player Tidjane Salaun… In short, Cholet had decided to take its revenge tonight.

For Paris, things were a little trickier. Less success from behind the 3-point line, but also from 2-point range, less solid defense than usual and less impact on the rebound. It was a game without, but one that can also serve as an electroshock, as the Coach and Michael Kessens so aptly put it in the press conference.

One player stood out from the crowd in this defeat: Sebastian Herrera. His 26 points (6/8 from 3-point range) were a match to die for. He kept Paris believing every time, but it wasn’t enough. As usual, TJ showed that his MVP title was not usurped and that he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the next game on Saturday.

There’s still a long way to go, but impossible is not Parisian.