The 2024–25 EuroLeague postseason kicked off with a bang on April 15, 2025, as Paris Basketball pulled off a stunning upset against the storied Real Madrid, winning 81-73 in a thrilling playoff battle. This victory not only marked Paris's first-ever qualification for the EuroLeague quarter-finals but also showcased the brilliance of their rising stars, particularly Nadir Hifi and TJ Shorts.
Paris Basketball, a relatively new club founded in 2018, has made significant strides in the EuroLeague this season. The team, which secured eighth place in the standings, came into the playoffs with a chip on their shoulder, especially after being defeated by Real Madrid twice during the regular season, including a narrow 105-104 loss just over a week prior. However, the Parisian squad turned the tables in front of a raucous crowd at the Movistar Arena, proving their mettle on the big stage.
Nadir Hifi, who was named the EuroLeague's Rising Star earlier that day, played a crucial role in the victory. The 23-year-old showcased his skills by contributing 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. His performance was particularly impactful in the second quarter, where he hit two consecutive three-pointers to thwart a comeback attempt from Real Madrid, who were led by Facundo Campazzo, who scored 17 points and had 5 assists.
Hifi's recognition as the best young player in the EuroLeague is a testament to his outstanding performance throughout the season, where he averaged an impressive 14.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His journey began when he joined Paris in 2023, helping the team win the Eurocup last season. Now, he has taken his game to new heights on the EuroLeague stage.
TJ Shorts, another standout for Paris, was instrumental in the triumph as well. The dynamic guard notched 23 points and dished out 9 assists, demonstrating his ability to control the tempo of the game. Shorts's connection with Kevarrius Hayes was particularly noteworthy, as they combined for several key plays that kept the pressure on Real Madrid throughout the match.
The first half of the game saw Paris take control early, leading by 10 points at halftime with a score of 46-36. Their defensive effort was commendable, as they secured 25 rebounds in the first 20 minutes, including 20 defensive boards. Tyson Ward and Mikael Jantunen each contributed significantly, grabbing 7 rebounds apiece and helping to stifle Real Madrid's offensive efforts.
However, the second half proved to be a test of resilience for Paris. After a scoring drought that lasted over six minutes, the team found themselves under pressure as Real Madrid narrowed the gap to just one point on multiple occasions. Despite the mounting tension, Hifi stepped up once again, hitting a crucial long-distance shot that kept Paris's hopes alive.
The atmosphere was electric as the game reached its climax. With the crowd behind them, Paris Basketball held their composure, and in the closing moments, Hayes and Jantunen sealed the deal with solid plays that ensured their place in the quarter-finals. The victory was not just a win; it was a statement that Paris Basketball is a force to be reckoned with in the EuroLeague.
As for Real Madrid, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially for a club with a rich history of success, boasting 11 European titles. They had entered the playoffs as one of the favorites, but Paris's tenacity and skill proved too much to handle on this occasion. Coach Pablo Laso will need to regroup his squad as they reflect on this unexpected exit from the tournament.
Looking ahead, Paris Basketball will face Fenerbahçe in the quarter-finals, starting next week. The matchup promises to be an exciting challenge as Paris aims to continue their remarkable journey in the EuroLeague. Fans will be eager to see if Hifi and Shorts can maintain their stellar performances and lead their team deeper into the playoffs.
In the other Play-In Tournament matchup on the same day, FC Bayern Munich faced Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in an elimination game. Bayern, who had previously dominated Zvezda with a 100-82 win just six weeks ago, entered the contest needing to tighten their defense after conceding 93 and 89 points in their last two games against Maccabi and Fenerbahçe. The stakes were high, as the loser would see their season come to a close.
The match tipped off at 20:30 CET, and both teams were desperate to secure a victory. Bayern and Zvezda had both missed out on direct playoff qualification, making this a do-or-die situation. The tension was palpable as fans filled the arena, knowing that one team would advance while the other would be left to ponder what could have been.
As the EuroLeague postseason unfolds, the excitement is palpable. With Paris Basketball's historic win and the intensity of the Play-In Tournament, fans are in for a treat as they watch the drama of the playoffs unfold. The stage is set for thrilling matchups, and the quest for EuroLeague glory is just beginning.
