The brake from Olympiakos to the James rocket and the transition from dangerous Monaco

Olympiacos meets Monaco Away (22:00, Novasports Prime and LIVE from Sportish) for his 31st game EuroLeague,in a groundbreaking race in his attempt to secure a place in the top four.

The “Red-Whites” have had many ups and downs in their performance in recent weeks and are called upon to show maturity to face one of the most dangerous teams in this year’s tournament. A team that can pull you into its rhythm at any time, especially in its stadium, and inflict tremendous damage. But what are the keys to the fight?

Run at every opportunity

Monaco is a team with an American-French mentality. What does that mean; That the surprise run is in the team’s DNA, with the Monegasques leading the field…continuously. It is significant that – with Unics now out of the game (after the elimination of the Russian teams) – Monaco is now the team that transitions more than any other, showing 8 possessions per game in such a situation. At the moment she is, to be precise, the first in both surprise attempts and points in surprise situations.

Not coincidentally, the Monegasque have the two players who have scored more than anyone in transition mode in this year’s EuroLeague, with Mike James and Alfa Diallo each scoring 24 points. At the same time, they have three players in the top 6 in attempts for switching, with Bacon (who has played 9 games down) and James combined first at 1.6 attempts per game and Dialos in sixth with 1, 2 attempts per game.

The message is clear: the Monegasques are running. It was no coincidence that this style of play put Olympiacos in a difficult position in the first round match, as Monaco did as they pleased on open court in the first third of the game before the ‘Red-Whites’ took the lead from the second and then claimed victory. The transition is of course just the beginning for Monaco.

Rocket James, Bacon and one on one

It’s not exactly a revelation to say that almost everything in Monaco starts with Mike James, who is the…king of defensive shooting. The former Panathinaikos player is the one who determines the fortunes of the Monegasques, which have been built on his own ability to execute and design. The American is averaging 16.3 points and 5.9 assists this year, with his assists adding another 14.8 points per game. Typically, James is responsible for his team’s 31.1 points per game.

James defines Monaco’s style, with coach Obradovic’s side relying heavily on the American’s one-on-one ability. According to InStat Scout, James is attacking isolation situations (one-on-one) at 4.4 runs per game, with a total of 111 attempts this year, with second Scotty Wilbekin… 79! But another is even more impressive: On average (rather than overall) in such situations in this year’s EuroLeague, his – Monaco teammate – Dwayne Bacon is averaging 4.2 possessions per game.

If anyone thinks they see a pattern here, they’re absolutely right. According to InStat Scout, Monaco are the team that achieves more one-on-ones than any other team (10.2 possessions per game), having made a total of 248 attacks in this way. The second Maccabi is far away with 184 such attacks. The logic of Monaco is as simple as it seems: first goal is to run in the open field. Second, to have James and then Bacon set the stage by playing pick and roll with Doda Hall and making all the decisions. But there is a third axis that is just as important in his game.

The Motiegounas Factor

Monaco is a team that has a strong regional base in their game. At the same time, however, she has one of the most talented players in this year’s EuroLeague in play with her back to the basket: Donatas Motiegounas. And he makes sure to use them appropriately.

When the pace of a game slacks, Sasa Obradovic often turns to the Lithuanian (10.7 points and 5 rebounds on average) and gives him balls near the basket, usually at the left post. According to Instat Scout, the left-handed forward/center is fourth in total back-to-basket attempts (63 total) and sixth on average with 2.4 attempts per game. Surprisingly, despite being left-handed, he ends many phases with his right hand, which he prefers.

An extremely dangerous team

The three axes of Monaco are very clear: transition, one on one by James/Bacon and post up play with Motiejunas. Sounds simple, but it’s not that easy to handle, which is why many teams have had a problem with Monaco. The other reason for this, of course, is that the team’s roster has such depth and quality that it offers the opportunity to support this style of play for 40 minutes.

While the trio of James, Bacon and Motiejuna catches the eye, one cannot underestimate the ability of Danilo Andjusic in the execution, runs and spot up play of Diallo and Ouattara, the strong roles of Doda Hall’s basket. after the pick and roll, he puts the quality of Will Thomas or the duo Paris Lee and Leo Westerman on the periphery. The Monegasques are a group in every sense of the word, a group that likes… organized anarchy.

Olympiacos’ task today (23 March) will be anything but easy. For every action there will be a reaction. Mike James is the… tree, but he’s had a pretty full forest behind him. The “Red-Whites” are called to a determined team fighting for 8th place and a place in the playoffs. They have to “brake” the Monaco run, slowing down the pace and taking James and Bacon out of the race. It will not be easy. But you can. The sequel, on the floor.