Paris Basketball – Fenerbahçe: 10 reasons to believe in a historic comeback

Paris Basketball has its back against the wall. After losing the first two games in Istanbul, the French club hosts Fenerbahçe this Tuesday evening (8:30 PM) at the Adidas Arena for Game 3 of the EuroLeague quarterfinals. Despite the magnitude of the task, Paris has solid arguments to believe in a historic comeback in this series. Here are 10 reasons to believe in a historic turnaround.

1. A close first game and ability to make Fenerbahçe doubt
In Game 1, Paris was still leading with five minutes remaining (71-72) before falling (83-78). Tiago Splitter’s team played even with Fenerbahçe and showed they could challenge the Istanbul giant. Missed open shots and losing the rebounding battle proved costly, but the foundation is there.

2. T.J. Shorts and Nadir Hifi, two leaders ready for the challenge
In great form, T.J. Shorts (17 and 18 points in the two games) and Nadir Hifi (21 and 15 points) are stepping up. The American point guard, 3rd in the EuroLeague MVP race, and the young French international are ready to carry the team to extend their European adventure.

3. Possible return of Maodo Lo to strengthen the backcourt
Out since March 22 due to a hamstring injury, Maodo Lo could return this Tuesday according to Le Parisien. His presence would be valuable to support T.J. Shorts and stabilize Paris’s game against Turkish defensive intensity.

4. Injuries on Fenerbahçe’s side
The Turkish club could be without two key players: forward Nicolo Melli and center Sertaç Sanli. Two absences that would weaken Sarunas Jasikevicius’s rotation, especially under the boards where Paris has been dominated so far.

5. The Adidas Arena, a real advantage
With 8,000 expected spectators and a growing atmosphere since the arena’s inauguration in February 2024, the Adidas Arena will be a decisive factor. Paris supporters, energized by the historic stakes, can elevate their team, as Tiago Splitter hopes: « Hosting a game of this importance will be a great experience for Paris, » says the Brazilian in Le Figaro.

6. Positive momentum with French Cup victory
This weekend, Paris won its first major trophy by defeating Le Mans in the French Cup final (91-80). A refreshing victory that mentally boosted the team and restored confidence before this crucial match. « This victory feels good collectively, it puts us in a good mood, » acknowledged Mathis Dossou Yovo.

7. Recognition from Maurizio Gherardini, EuroLeague’s emblematic figure
Fenerbahçe’s general manager, Maurizio Gherardini, told L’Équipe: « The team produces in my eyes the most entertaining, exciting basketball in Europe with the right balance in leadership, role players alongside major players. […] It’s the season’s pleasant surprise, without any doubt. » A tribute that demonstrates the quality of the Paris project.

8. Paris’s ability to catch fire and upset the big teams
This season, Paris Basketball has beaten all EuroLeague playoff qualifiers… except Fenerbahçe. Known for their explosive offensive runs, the Paris team can turn any game around in minutes. Why not this Tuesday night?

9. Paris is never stronger than as an underdog
On its official website before the series started, Paris Basketball wrote: « A role that suited us well during the regular season and could work in our favor again, especially with the pressure on our opponents’ shoulders. » Being the underdog has often energized the team this season. With all the pressure now on Fenerbahçe’s shoulders, Paris can play freely and strike hard. « Paris isn’t finished, » as super speaker Dandyguel likes to chant.

10. Real Madrid’s precedent to dream bigger
Only Real Madrid has managed to overcome a 0-2 deficit in recent EuroLeague playoff history (against Partizan in 2023). Proof that the feat isn’t impossible, especially for a fearless team like Paris, which dreams of writing the most beautiful page of its young project.