Theis powers monaco upset, faces tough greek test
Daniel Theis, the German center, spearheaded a stunning quarterfinal victory for AS Monaco over FC Barcelona in EuroLeague play, but a nagging back injury casts a shadow over their momentum as they prepare to face Olympiacos Piraeus.
Monaco's unexpected ascent
Few predicted Monaco, a team struggling financially and recently having parted ways with coach Vassilis Spanoulis, would reach this stage of the EuroLeague. Yet, fueled by Theis's dominant performance – 16 points and 6 rebounds – they overcame Barcelona 79-70. The victory caps a remarkable turnaround for the French side, who managed to deploy only nine players against last year's finalists. The significance isn't lost on interim coach Manutschar Markoischwili, who praised his team's defensive intensity, with Theis standing out as a key contributor.
But the triumph was tempered by a concerning injury. Theis exited the game late after a hard landing, leaving his availability for Tuesday's clash with Olympiacos uncertain. The team is awaiting further assessment of the veteran's back.
A pivotal moment for monaco
Monaco's journey to the quarterfinals has been far from smooth. Having switched from the NBA to Monaco in February 2025, Theis has brought stability and experience to a team desperately seeking both. This run represents more than just a chance at a EuroLeague title; it's a lifeline for a club grappling with financial woes. They have a chance to claim the French Cup on Saturday, adding further pressure and excitement.
“This path seemed incredibly difficult, even impossible at times,” Markoischwili admitted, a testament to the resilience displayed by Monaco. The team's surprising success highlights the transformative power of a focused effort and a leader like Theis, even as questions linger about his physical condition. The clash with Olympiacos promises a high-stakes encounter, and Monaco’s hopes rest squarely on Theis’s ability to overcome his injury and continue to drive their improbable run.