Paris equalizes

Published on June 4, 2026

The rematch lived up to all expectations ! After a shaky start, Paris Basketball ended up running riot over Cholet on Thursday evening in Game 2 of the Betclic ÉLITE semi-finals (100–77)

Our Parisians took some time to get into the game. Initially shaken by Cholet’s full-court press, the teammates of the returning Seba gradually found their rhythm. Another adversary, the bowling alley, prevented us from converting our good open shots. With repeated attempts, our second unit began to bear fruit. Despite going 0-for-5 from three-point range to start, Cholet relied on excellent shooting from beyond the arc to quickly take the lead. Just like in Game 1, our players capitalized on Cholet’s indiscipline to draw free throws, which we promptly converted. Throughout the first quarter, the visitors built a lead (20-30)… which Paris Basketball wiped out in just three minutes (31-30). The pace of the game is now dictated by Jared’s transitions, Allan’s big stops, and Léo’s 0-degree long-range shots. For the first time in the game, we’re ahead while Cholet Basket still can’t score a single point in this second quarter! This Vendée drought gives way to a back-and-forth battle. From the free-throw line, Cholet responds to our offense. At the same time, when they try to attack the basket, Momo’s snarky blocks await them. On our side, steals and and-ones ignite the Adidas Arena. But a surge in long-range shooting from the other side puts us behind by a few points at halftime (45-50).

Daulton’s copy-paste shot kicks off our second quarter from the parking lot once again. The third quarter doesn’t initially go our way. Bad luck for Cholet, as DC gets hot again before our Captain Seba finally sets the Adidas Arena ablaze! Once again, the visitors’ offensive firepower dips as the minutes tick by. Thankfully, Gérald Ayayi is there to cover for Cholet during their lulls, because our team doesn’t hold back on either offense or defense. Daulton has clearly decided this is his quarter! In addition to his rim-driving explosions, the Prince of Paris adds special magic tricks for a big night. The score remains close, this time in favor of our Parisians. A final burst of speed, finished off beautifully by Lamar, gives us a comfortable cushion heading into the fourth quarter (74-68). Our bench is clearly making the difference! In addition to an off-ball game combining suffocating defense with pinpoint switching, Jared starts sinking three-pointers (and not just a few). The 10-point gap is widened as CB has never seemed so disoriented since the start of this series. Nothing is working for us! Fabrice Lefrançois’s team spends all their time chasing the ball. Then, as soon as it lands in their hands, they immediately give it up with a contested attempt. Break conceded, advantage Paris, game, set, and match! Undaunted until the final possession, Julius Thomas’s men tie the semifinals (100-77). And as the icing on the cake, an incredible logo candy signed by Justin.

After a shaky start to the match, our Parisian side managed to weather the storm from Cholet in the first half. After the break, our opponents thought they could hold off our comeback. However, they hadn’t reckoned with that sudden surge in intensity that only we are capable of. In the end, there was no suspense; our French champions fully lived up to their status.

The semi-final moves to Cholet for the next two matches. Stay up to date with the latest Paris Basketball news by clicking right here !