Monaco Returns to Winning Ways with Emphatic Performance
AS Monaco bounced back from their opening round defeat with a convincing 103-81 victory over EuroLeague newcomers Dubai Basketball on October 3rd, 2025. Playing in front of 4,137 spectators, Monaco demonstrated the quality and depth that makes them perennial contenders in European basketball's premier competition.
After suffering a narrow 84-89 home loss to Zalgiris Kaunas in Round 1, Monaco needed a statement performance, and they delivered exactly that. The 22-point margin of victory showcased the team's ability to respond to adversity and execute their game plan with precision against a Dubai side that had entered the match with confidence following their 89-76 home victory over Partizan Belgrade.
Mirotic Leads the Charge with Stellar All-Around Display
The star of the evening was undoubtedly Nikola Mirotic, who produced a masterclass performance with an efficiency rating of 32. The Spanish forward scored 19 points on an impressive 6-of-9 shooting from the field, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. However, his impact extended far beyond scoring, as he grabbed seven rebounds, dished out four assists, and recorded two steals while drawing nine fouls from the Dubai defense.
Mirotic's versatility and court awareness were on full display throughout his 20 minutes of action. His ability to score from multiple levels, facilitate for teammates, and control the glass provided Monaco with exactly the kind of leadership they needed. The three offensive rebounds he collected led to crucial second-chance opportunities that helped Monaco maintain their advantage throughout the contest.
James Orchestrates Offense with Veteran Poise
Mike James, Monaco's veteran floor general, controlled the tempo with characteristic efficiency. The American point guard finished with 14 points and eight assists while committing just two turnovers in nearly 28 minutes of play. His 6-of-11 shooting performance, which included 2-of-4 from three-point range, kept Dubai's defense honest and created opportunities for his teammates.
James's plus-minus of +26 was the highest on the court, underlining his profound impact on the game. His ability to read defenses, make the right pass at the right time, and score when necessary provided Monaco with the steady hand they needed. The five defensive rebounds he collected also demonstrated his commitment on both ends of the floor.
Theis and Diallo Provide Valuable Contributions
Daniel Theis was remarkably efficient in his 16 minutes and 42 seconds of action, scoring 15 points on a perfect 4-of-4 from two-point range and adding a three-pointer. The German big man's 5-of-6 overall shooting, combined with his four perfect free throws, gave him an efficiency rating of 20. His two blocks and physical presence in the paint helped Monaco establish defensive dominance.
Alpha Diallo contributed 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including an impressive 2-of-3 from three-point territory. His plus-minus of +24 indicated his positive impact during his 27 minutes on the court. Diallo's four defensive rebounds and willingness to defend multiple positions made him a valuable two-way player for Monaco.
Monaco's Bench Depth Proves Decisive
The difference in bench production was stark and ultimately decisive. Elie Okobo provided quality minutes off the bench with nine points and seven assists while committing zero turnovers. His efficiency rating of 14 and plus-minus of +2 demonstrated his ability to maintain Monaco's intensity when the starters rested.
Kevarrius Hayes made the most of his nearly 20 minutes, scoring 11 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting from two-point range. Jaron Blossomgame added 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, providing Monaco with reliable scoring options throughout the rotation. This depth allowed Monaco to maintain pressure on Dubai even when key starters were resting.
Dubai's Struggles and Bright Spots
For Dubai Basketball, the defeat was disappointing after their impressive opening round victory. Mfiondu Kabengele was their most efficient player with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting and six rebounds in just over 17 minutes. His efficiency rating of 21 showed he was one of the few Dubai players who could match Monaco's intensity.
Filip Petrusev came off the bench to provide 14 points and eight rebounds while drawing seven fouls. His efficiency rating of 25 was impressive, but his minus-15 plus-minus illustrated Dubai's struggles when he was on the court. McKinley Wright IV contributed 14 points and demonstrated his scoring ability with 5-of-7 shooting from two-point range.
Dzanan Musa added 11 points but struggled with his shooting, going just 3-of-9 from the field, including 0-of-4 from three-point range. His three turnovers also hindered Dubai's offensive flow at crucial moments.
Third Quarter Proves Pivotal
While Monaco led after each of the first two quarters by modest margins of 26-23 and 50-46 at halftime, the third quarter proved decisive. Monaco outscored Dubai 29-13 in that crucial period, essentially putting the game out of reach. This 16-point quarter differential showcased Monaco's ability to make adjustments at halftime and execute their game plan with renewed vigor.
Dubai's offensive struggles during this period were apparent, as they managed just 13 points while Monaco's defense tightened considerably. The home team's ability to force difficult shots and control the defensive glass prevented Dubai from generating any momentum or making a serious run at the lead.
Statistical Dominance Across the Board
Monaco's superiority was evident in multiple statistical categories. The home team's overall shooting efficiency, particularly from two-point range, was significantly better than Dubai's. Monaco also won the rebounding battle and demonstrated better ball movement, as evidenced by their assist numbers and lower turnover count relative to their offensive output.
The free-throw line also proved advantageous for Monaco, as they drew more fouls and converted their opportunities at a higher rate. This ability to get to the line and convert was particularly important in maintaining their lead and preventing any potential Dubai comeback.
Looking Ahead
This victory improves Monaco's record to 1-1 in the early stages of the EuroLeague season and demonstrates their ability to respond to adversity. The 22-point margin of victory will boost confidence as they continue their campaign. The balanced scoring attack and contributions from throughout the roster are encouraging signs for head coach and the Monaco faithful.
For Dubai, the defeat drops them to 1-1, but there were positive signs despite the lopsided scoreline. The performances of Kabengele, Petrusev, and Wright showed that Dubai has talented players capable of competing at this level. However, the newcomers will need to find more consistency and depth to compete with established EuroLeague powers like Monaco over the course of a long season.
