The EuroCup leader in assists and PIR produced another sterling performance in the quarterfinals
T.J. Shorts confirmed his MVP credentials against Joventut
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After a competition-best regular season 17-1 record, Paris Basketball faced uncharted waters with the home-court advantage in the single-game quarterfinals. And star guard T.J. Shorts made sure the Parisians took a step closer to the EuroCup title.
It was a strong test for Paris against a more experienced opponent. It was also Paris's first EuroCup home game at the brand new Adidas Arena. All eyes were on Shorts, who led Paris throughout the season, and he didn't disappoint anyone. In fact, he showed why he is a leading candidate in the race to become the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup MVP.
Shorts had 8 first-quarter points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave Paris a significant lead, 24-17. He went on to cap a 13-0 run with another bomb from downtown late in the third quarter, putting Paris well on its way to win the game. Finally, Shorts had 6 points and 4 assists in the final 8 minutes, making sure Paris rejected any comeback attempt and kept a safe lead until the final buzzer.
His numbers proved his great consistency throughout the game. Shorts had 21 points on 3 of 5 three-point shooting, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 0 turnovers and 7 fouls drawn for a PIR of 28. He earned MVP of the Round honors for the fourth time this season, which is unprecedented in competition history.
"It took the whole unit. It wasn't one of us, it was the collective. This group is special and we are trying to do something special," Shorts said after the game. "I am just glad I was able to contribute to this win. It is a win that kept our season going. We knew it was a do-or-die game and I guess you could say this is the most important win. And now, the next one is going to be the next most important."
Paris head coach Tuomas Iisalo highlighted the fact that his team in general (and may I add, Shorts in particular) tries to keep things simple and effective.
"We have one way of doing things and expect to do the right things on the floor, do them as well as possible, do them as hard as possible for 40 minutes," Coach Iisalo said. "It sounds very simple, but it is extremely difficult. But when the guys see and everyone sees that it pays off, it brings a lot more motivation to keep working."
Shorts has averaged 17.5 points, 7.7 assists and 1.5 steals for a league-best PIR average of 22.8. He dishes 5.2 assists per turnover, too. His teammate Sebastian Herrera, who didn't play today, has totaled 26 assists and one turnover this season. Unsurprisingly, Paris leads the competition with the fewest turnovers at just 10.3 per night.
All that will be tested again soon, as Paris is set to face the London Lions in the semifinals, where Shorts will have another opportunity to prove why he can be considered the best player in the competition.