Published on November 26, 2025 at 08:30 PM by driblio.net
Date
2025-11-26
Venue
Round
Round 13
Attendance
3978
In a display of clinical basketball excellence, AS Monaco dismantled Anadolu Efes Istanbul with a resounding 102-66 victory in Round 13 of EuroLeague action. Playing before 3,978 spectators, Monaco delivered their most complete performance of the season, building a commanding lead through three quarters before cruising to a 36-point victory that improved their recent form and sent a strong message to the rest of the competition.
The win marks a significant bounce-back for Monaco after a challenging stretch that saw them lose to Crvena Zvezda and Partizan Belgrade earlier in November. This comprehensive victory, their largest margin of the season, demonstrates the team's ability to respond to adversity and refocus their championship ambitions. For Anadolu Efes, the defeat represents a painful setback following impressive home victories against Barcelona and Bayern Munich in their previous outings.
From the opening tip, Monaco established their intent, racing to a 25-22 lead after the first quarter. While Anadolu Efes remained competitive in the early going, Monaco's defensive intensity and balanced offensive attack began to wear down the Turkish visitors. The second quarter saw Monaco maintain their three-point advantage, heading into halftime with a 50-43 lead that suggested a competitive second half might be in store.
However, that narrative would be dramatically rewritten after the intermission. Mike James, Monaco's floor general, orchestrated the offense with precision, finishing with 7 points and 6 assists while maintaining a remarkable plus-13 rating in just under 24 minutes of action. His court vision and ability to find open teammates proved instrumental in breaking down the Efes defense, as Monaco recorded impressive ball movement throughout the contest.
The third quarter proved catastrophic for Anadolu Efes, as Monaco's defensive pressure reached suffocating levels. The visitors managed just 10 points in the period while Monaco added 20, extending their lead to 70-53 entering the final frame. This 10-point quarter represented the nadir of Efes's offensive struggles, as they shot poorly from the field and committed costly turnovers that Monaco converted into easy transition baskets.
Daniel Theis emerged as Monaco's most efficient offensive weapon, delivering a perfect 7-for-7 shooting performance from two-point range en route to 17 points. The German center's efficiency rating of 18 highlighted his dominance in the paint, as he consistently found advantageous positions against the overmatched Efes interior defense. Theis also contributed 2 rebounds, drew 4 fouls, and provided the kind of reliable interior presence that allowed Monaco's perimeter players to operate with confidence.
One of the most impressive aspects of Monaco's victory was the substantial contributions from their second unit. Nikola Mirotic, the veteran Spanish forward, posted an efficiency rating of 20 off the bench, recording 9 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in just over 17 minutes. His all-around excellence provided Monaco with veteran leadership and clutch plays when the game hung in the balance.
Perhaps the most electrifying performance came from young French guard Matthew Strazel, who recorded a game-high plus-32 rating in just over 23 minutes. Strazel contributed 12 points on efficient 4-for-8 shooting, added 5 assists, 3 steals, and drew 6 fouls while committing just a single turnover. His energy and decision-making proved crucial in extending Monaco's lead during critical stretches, demonstrating why he's regarded as one of French basketball's brightest young talents.
Kevarrius Hayes added 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting with a plus-15 rating, while Yoan Makoundou contributed 9 points on perfect 5-for-5 free throw shooting. The depth of Monaco's roster proved overwhelming for an Efes team that struggled to find consistent production beyond its starting lineup.
For Anadolu Efes, the offensive struggles proved insurmountable. Isaia Cordinier led the visitors with 16 points on efficient 6-for-8 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range, but his efforts were insufficient to overcome the team's collective difficulties. The French guard's minus-15 rating reflected how thoroughly Monaco controlled the game despite his individual success.
Jordan Loyd added 13 points and 5 assists but committed 4 turnovers and finished with a minus-13 rating. Ercan Osmani contributed 12 points and 4 rebounds in extended minutes, while Rolands Smits managed 9 points and 5 rebounds. However, the cumulative effect of poor shooting, turnovers, and defensive breakdowns proved too much to overcome.
The most disappointing performance came from Nick Weiler-Babb, who posted a minus-10 efficiency rating while managing just 1 point on 0-for-6 shooting from the field. The German guard committed 6 turnovers against 4 assists, finishing with a game-worst minus-21 rating that epitomized Efes's collective struggles. His inability to provide stable point guard play contributed significantly to the offensive stagnation that plagued the visitors throughout the evening.
The final period descended into a procession as Monaco outscored Efes 32-13 to complete the rout. With the outcome long since decided, both coaches utilized their benches extensively, providing valuable minutes to rotation players and allowing starters to rest. Monaco's bench players maintained the intensity, ensuring the margin continued to grow rather than allowing any semblance of a comeback.
Alpha Diallo finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals while posting a game-high plus-20 rating. His two-way excellence embodied Monaco's approach, combining offensive efficiency with defensive tenacity. Jaron Blossomgame added 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals with a plus-11 rating, while Elie Okobo contributed 9 points and 4 assists with a plus-12 mark.
The statistical breakdown reveals the comprehensive nature of Monaco's victory. The home side shot efficiently from inside the arc, moved the ball effectively with 28 assists on their field goals, and forced Efes into difficult shots and costly turnovers. Monaco's defense held Efes to just 23 points in the entire second half, a remarkable achievement against a team that had scored 74 and 73 points respectively in their previous two outings.
Monaco's plus-minus ratings tell the story of their depth, with nine players finishing in positive territory, led by Strazel's remarkable plus-32. In contrast, Efes had only one player finish with a positive rating, with most starters posting double-digit negative figures that reflected the one-sided nature of the contest.
For Monaco, this victory represents more than just two points in the standings. It demonstrates their ability to play complete team basketball, with contributions coming from throughout the roster. The 36-point margin sends a message that Monaco remains a legitimate contender capable of dominating quality opponents when executing their game plan. The balanced scoring, with eight players reaching six points or more, suggests opposing defenses will struggle to identify and neutralize a primary threat.
Anadolu Efes faces serious questions after this humbling defeat. After consecutive home victories against Barcelona and Bayern Munich raised hopes of a turnaround, this road performance exposed significant vulnerabilities. The inability to score consistently, particularly in the second half, combined with defensive breakdowns that allowed Monaco's role players to flourish, suggests deeper structural issues that coaching adjustments alone may not resolve.
As the EuroLeague season progresses through Round 13, Monaco's statement victory positions them favorably in the standings and provides momentum heading into subsequent fixtures. Their ability to win convincingly at home while showcasing roster depth bodes well for the grueling schedule ahead. The return to winning ways following recent setbacks demonstrates mental resilience that championship contenders require.
For Anadolu Efes, this defeat necessitates serious introspection and tactical adjustments. The 36-point margin represents their worst performance of the campaign and raises concerns about their ability to compete consistently against elite opposition. Road games in European competition present unique challenges, but the comprehensive nature of this defeat suggests systemic issues rather than mere circumstantial difficulties. How the Turkish powerhouse responds in upcoming fixtures will determine whether this represents an aberration or signals deeper problems that could derail their season aspirations.
| Rank | Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DANIEL THEIS | ASM | 17 | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | ISAIA CORDINIER | EFS | 16 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | ALPHA DIALLO | ASM | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| 4 | JORDAN LOYD | EFS | 13 | 1 | 5 |
| 5 | ERCAN OSMANI | EFS | 12 | 4 | 1 |
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