[embedded content]
Nadir Hifi scored the final six points of the game as Paris Basketball rallied past Zalgiris Kaunas 82-78 on Thursday night, securing its first EuroLeague victory of the season.
Paris overcame a fourth-quarter deficit and the ejection of TJ Warren to finish the game strongly, shutting down Zalgiris for nearly the final three minutes at Adidas Arena.
Hifi led all Paris scorers with 21 points, adding three rebounds and two assists. Warren had 14 points before being ejected, while Allan Dokossi stepped up from the bench with eight points and eight rebounds.
Zalgiris struggled offensively early, scoring only three points in the opening five minutes. An 11-2 run helped the visitors take a 14-10 lead, but Paris responded and trailed 19-17 after the first quarter.
The second quarter remained tightly contested, with neither team able to build more than a five-point advantage. Paris went into halftime ahead 41-38 before opening the second half with seven consecutive points to establish an eight-point lead.
The hosts maintained a 61-53 advantage after three quarters, but the game changed dramatically after Warren was ejected with nine minutes remaining following his second technical foul.
Zalgiris took advantage of the situation. Two Carsen Edwards three-pointers helped the visitors move ahead 67-68, and the Lithuanian side extended its advantage to 76-71 with four minutes remaining.
Paris responded with its decisive late run.
Hifi hit a three-pointer to put Paris back in front at 79-78, then added another basket and a free throw to score the final six points of the contest. Zalgiris was held scoreless for nearly the final three minutes as Paris completed the comeback.
Edwards finished with 19 points for Zalgiris, while Azuolas Tubelis added 18 points and seven rebounds. Paris won the rebounding battle 43-42 and grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, a factor Zalgiris head coach Tomas Masiulis highlighted after the game.
Paris improved to 1-2 in the EuroLeague, while Zalgiris dropped to 1-2 after suffering its second defeat of the opening double-game week.
Paris hosts LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in the French derby next Wednesday, while Zalgiris travels to Barcelona on Friday.
