AS Monaco opened the 2025 EuroLeague Playoffs with a dominant 97-80 victory over FC Barcelona, finally securing a Game 1 win after three straight opening losses in previous postseasons.
Barcelona held a narrow 45-44 lead early in the third quarter, but Monaco responded with suffocating defense and efficient shot-making to seize full control.
The turning point came with Monaco’s perimeter defense tightening up after halftime, limiting Barcelona to just 1-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc in the second half.
Meanwhile, the hosts stayed consistent from deep, converting 6-of-15 three-pointers (40%) over the final 20 minutes, compared to their 46.2% mark in the first half.
Guard Mike James led the charge with 22 points on 3-of-6 shooting from long range and added four assists and two steals in just under 28 minutes.
Daniel Theis added another 22 points on 6-of-7 shooting inside the arc and went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line, providing much-needed interior presence.
Elie Okobo was another standout, contributing 19 points and a game-high seven assists, while Monaco registered 21 total dimes with only eight turnovers.
Barcelona struggled to generate clean looks or offensive rhythm, finishing with 18 turnovers and just 11 assists—its lowest tally of the season.
Monaco’s defensive activity also led to nine steals, and their ball movement improved markedly after the break, resulting in 13 second-half assists.
Inside the paint, Monaco was highly efficient in the second half, converting 16-of-22 two-pointers (72.7%), after managing just 38.9% inside the arc before the interval.
Jaron Blossomgame and Alpha Diallo combined for only six points, but their defensive contributions helped limit Barca’s offensive options down the stretch.
Barcelona’s leading scorers included Kevin Punter and Youssoupha Fall, each with 13 points, though both were unable to maintain consistent impact in the second half.
Jabari Parker and Joel Parra were held to single digits, as Monaco’s collective defensive effort stifled any potential late-game comeback.
With the win, Monaco holds a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series and will look to carry this momentum into Game 2.
Game 2 is scheduled to be played again in Monaco, where the hosts will aim to put further pressure on a Barcelona side that now finds itself on the back foot.
