For the seventh time this season Paris scored 100 points in a game, this time thanks to an offensive burst late in the second and throughout the third quarter.
Another Paris blowout in just 13 minutes
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In what was promising to be a close game, Paris Basketball scored 54 of its points in just 13 minutes, bridging the second and third quarters, en route to a blowout 100-70 win over the visiting Umana Reyer Venice.
When talking about Paris's entire surge, it was little longer than those 13 productive minutes. Precisely, the final 7 minutes of the second quarter and the first 9 of the third. Because, with 7:03 left on the clock in the first half, Reyer was up 26-30, but with just over a minute to go in the third, the scoreboard read 87-55.
Paris caught fire from the floor
During that span, Paris missed just 2 two-point shots on 18 attempts. Also, after opening the game 0-for-10 on three-pointers, Paris was 6-of-11 during this game-deciding period.
It resulted in a 36-point turnaround. And, what at times looked like a game that could end in an upset of a first-place team turned into another Paris blowout win.
Nadir Hifi lit the fuse
The key spark was Nadir Hifi's run of 8 straight points midway through the third quarter, including back-to-back nothing-but-net triples. It started an 18-5 spurt, which Paris used to end the second quarter and build a 51-39 halftime lead.
Especially impressive, however, was the third quarter, during which Paris scored 36 points. The hosts scored on each of their first 10 possessions, and they did not even miss a single field goal until 4:27 left. By that time, Paris was already up 22-12 in the quarter and 73-51 overall.
"We came out with a lot of energy," said Tyson Ward, who had 17 points in the win. "Coming into the second half with even more energy really separated us."
It all resulted in the margin growing to as much as 32 points late in the third quarter, and eventually saw Paris finish the game with a triple-digit number of points for the seventh time this season.
Defense was also key
But as much as Paris's offense amazes, it was the team's defense that was the focal point of head coach's Tuomas Iisalo's satisfaction.
"I was very satisfied with the fact the guys were able to respond and play better defense in the second half," he said, confirming that the way Paris played defense during its surge is what he hopes can be the team's identity.
"We had very good pressure on the ball all of the time," Iisalo explained. "We were physical and smart on defense; we were turning defense into offense; [we were getting] into some nice fastbreaks. We were playing with a clear idea — that is what we want to be known for."
So far, so good for Paris, which improved to 10-1 this season and plays its next three games, and five of its last seven, on its home floor.