Monaco vs Madrid Hype- Christmas Part 2

As I started my day and realized that we'd be getting the long awaited Trey Lyles vs Mike James matchup today I thought it was Christmas all over again. This was better than any matchup in the NBA yesterday for me. Then you get the Euroleague Anthem starting as the game comes on Euroleague TV it just sets the vibes so high. Then the Monaco clapping that starts at intros and goes until the first basket is made. Basically the Taylor University Silent Night tradition but it happens every game. Stars were in the house as always in Monaco. This time Monegasque F1 Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc. Man this is as good as it gets.

Unfortunately though, Trey Lyles was scratched from the lineup right before game time due to a sore neck suffered in warm ups. Which is brutal, not only being an Indy legend, but he should've matched up well against Monaco at the 4. He can play inside and out and have a size advantage over Blossomgame and Diallo. Euroleague all time 3pt made leader Sergio Llui was out also. The hype for the game instantly dropped, and soon the pregame became the most anticipated part. The Monaco fast style of play and ability to share the rock was going to be too much for Madrid. Theo Maledon even mentioned it in his pregame interview, saying Monaco shares the ball better than any other team in the league. Which is funny because they used to be a total iso ball team. Shouts to Coach Vasilis Spinoulis for that transition. Meanwhile Madrid tries to play big and more methodical, like an old school team. Campazzo setting up Tavares and setting up Hezonja on the black. Their style of play may not be the norm anymore, but it's effective, and they can get teams to play at their pace. NBA comparison would be the grit and grind Grizzlies.

Maledon saying Monaco is a great passing team has to be a good sign for Monaco fans going forward. They're getting used to the new style of play, something that might've held them back in the past. Once they get hot and get in a rhythm, watch out Euroleague.