The star guard played a key role in his return from injury.
Monaco got a boost from Jordan Loyd's return
Jordan Loyd may not have stuffed the stat sheet in his return to the court for AS Monaco, but the guard exhibited much of the leadership he exudes in helping the team fight past Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 93-83.
Loyd struggled shooting the ball in his first game since Round 12 on December 5, making just 1 of 7 shots and missing both of his free throws for 2 points and a performance index rating of -2. But the 30-year-old contributed 3 rebounds and 3 assists as he had plus/minus of +11.
"It’s always good to have him. He’s one of our leaders so just having him around the team and playing is good, even if he’s not up to his usual standards. So having him around and hearing his voice and having his leadership and continuity within the team helps a lot,” Monaco star Mike James of Loyd playing in just his sixth game this season.
Loyd had 19 points in Round 8 against Anadolu Efes Istanbul and scored 12 points in Round 7 versus LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, but he hasn’t remained healthy enough to be a major factor this season.
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“It was definitely lovely. It felt more relaxed. As a team we are already used to him so it was like nothing for him to get back into the group,” Monaco defensive ace John Brown said about having Loyd back on the court.
Monaco coach Sasa Obradovic also appreciated Loyd’s effort, including the guard drawing an offensive foul on Chima Moneke with Monaco up 86-83 with 1:52 minutes left in the game.
“Having back Jordan, who is still trying to find his shape, was a big help,” the coach said.
Loyd has been struggling with a back injury that he had surgery for in the offseason and has been unable to play up to his outstanding level from last season. Playing his fourth season in the EuroLeague, Loyd averaged 12.3 points while shooting 50.3% on two-pointers and 37.1% on threes and collected 2.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals for a 13.4 PIR. Those numbers helped Monaco reach the Final Four.
Loyd returning to the Monaco lineup definitely gives the team a boost and him returning to his former level would be huge in Monaco’s chances moving forward.