After a defensive grind was edged by Monaco on Friday to make it a 2-2 series, Fenerbahce will look to recover its usual offensive fluidity as the series comes to a close in the principality.
Nigel Hayes-Davis, Fenerbahce: 'Every little detail matters'
Seasons
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Game 4's lowest-scoring result of the entire playoffs, 62-65, was very unlike the high-scoring shootouts that had preceded it, with nobody scoring more than Marko Guduric's 14 points or Elie Okobo's 13. Head coaches Sasa Obradovic and Saras Jasikevicius could well introduce some new wrinkles in the hope of gaining an edge.
The series has been lacking a big performance from Monaco star Mike James, who had averaged just 11.2 compared to his season average of 17.9, shooting just 23.8% from three-point range. This would be the perfect time for James to recover his usual standards, while Fener star Nigel Hayes-Davis will also look to bounce back after being held to 10 points in each of the last three games and converting just 28.6% of his long-range shots in the series.
The physical battle will clearly be crucial, so expect central roles for Monaco big man Donatas Motiejunas (12.5 points per game during this series) and the visitors' Georgios Papagiannis, who had a double-double of 10 points and 11 boards last time out.
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach
"We need to try to continue playing with the same passion and desire to play a Game 5. At the same time try to make things as difficult as possible for Monaco. Offensively, we need to find better solutions, need to play more like a team and leave it all on the court."
Nigel Hayes-Davis, Fenerbahce player
"It's Game 5. Every little detail matters. Every point matters. Every rebound matters. Every possession matters. Every play matters. Every boxout matters. Every turnover matters. It’s do-or-die."