2024 EuroLeague Playoffs Preview: Monaco vs Fenerbahce – The matchup between Sasa Obradovic and Sarunas Jasikevicius will be one of the most interesting in all the quarterfinals.
Road to the EuroLeague playoffs
Monaco Strenghts and Weaknesses
- Strenghts – There are few statistical parameters in which Monaco would be at the top of the league, not even among the top two or three teams. Their biggest advantage is the depth of their roster and the cohesion of the team. They have a large number of quality players, and each of them brings something new to the table. Additionally, this team takes excellent care of the ball, with only 14.2 turnovers per 100 possessions, which is the fewest turnovers in the entire league.
- Weaknesses – Among the teams, they have the fewest assisted points, meaning that this team’s offense is primarily based on isolations. Sometimes, when it comes to the playoffs and facing tougher defenses, this can be a significant problem. Additionally, they are among the teams that allow the highest percentage of offensive rebounds to opponents. Against Fenerbahce, extra attention will need to be paid to this, as points from second-chance opportunities for the Istanbul team could be detrimental to Monaco.
Fenerbahce Strenghts and Weaknesses
- Strenghts – Definitely the biggest advantage of this team is their outstanding offense. They rank first in offensive rating in the entire league, scoring 119.5 points per 100 possessions. They have broken several records this season and boast a large number of players who can “bury” the opponent in offense. Interestingly, Fenerbahce takes the most three-point attempts in the entire league. However, they also have the best three-point shooting percentage in the league. With 39.1% of their three-pointers made, they stand out at the top with a significant margin compared to other teams.
- Weaknesses – Sometimes, when you watch Fenerbahce play, you get the impression that the whole offense revolves around the three-point shot. In the playoffs, this can be fatal. If Scottie Wilbekin, Tyler Dorsey, or Nigel Hayes-Davis have a bad night, panic sets in for Fenerbahce. We saw this towards the end of the season when they shot below 30% from three in three out of four games, leading to some unexpected losses as they couldn’t compensate with other scoring options.
Monaco vs Fenerbahce: Three things to watch
- Mike James vs Nick Calathes – This matchup could be crucial for the entire series. James is having a dream season and is the main favorite for the MVP award. He has become the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer and is the true leader of his team. He is the player from whom everything starts on Monaco’s offense, and the outcome of the entire series could depend on him.
On the other hand, Nick Calathes has come to life with Jasikevicius’ arrival. They didn’t see eye to eye in Barcelona, but it seems they have found common ground in Fenerbahce. The Greek playmaker is the all-time leader in assists in this competition, and it’s known that he can also play great defense when necessary.
-
Scottie Wilbekin vs Alpha Diallo – Fenerbahce’s guard has had a much better season than in 2022/23. After Hayes-Davis, he is the team’s top scorer, and much will depend on his shooting. On a large number of three-point attempts, he’s shooting at 39.7%, which poses a significant threat to the opponent. His biggest problem throughout his career has been disappearing when it matters most and playing poorly in crucial moments.
In the entire EuroLeague, Alpha Diallo is probably considered the most underrated player. He is of utmost importance to Sasa Obradovic’s team on both ends of the court. This season, he’s averaging 10.5 points, which is quite high considering his performances on the defensive end. He’s always tasked with guarding the opponent’s best offensive player and can easily defend all positions except center. With his long wingspan, very quick feet, and excellent defensive instincts, it’s very difficult for opponents to gain any advantage against him on offense.
- Nigel Hayes-Davis – The guy who set the EuroLeague record for most points in a single game this season (50) has found his form just in time towards the end of the year. Lately, much of Fenerbahce’s offense revolves around him, and it’s clear that one of Sasa Obradovic’s main tasks will be to find a way to stop the outstanding power forward.
It’s a big question who will be tasked with defending him. Jaron Blossomgame is certainly a player who has something to offer and could be one of the solutions for Monaco. He has elevated his game towards the end of the season and unexpectedly became one of the mainstays in the “Princes” offense. Alongside him, there’s John Brown, whose energy and defensive performances have practically defined his entire career.
NEW RECORD FOR MOST POINTS IN A SINGLE EUROLEAGUE GAME!!! 💥😳
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) March 29, 2024
NIGEL HAYES-DAVIS 50 POINTS!!!!🔥🔥🔥@NIGEL_HAYES l @FBBasketbol pic.twitter.com/MnWhGno792