Chus Mateo ahead of Monaco: 'I don't care if Mike James scores 20 points' / News - Basketnews.com

Chus Mateo referred to Real Madrid's game vs. Monaco, arguing that Mike James' scoring is the least of his concerns.

Credit: Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Real Madrid return to the EuroLeague after a good week in terms of performance and results.

Mike James

MIN:30.78PTS:17.91 (53.92%)REB:3.45As:4.36ST:1.64BL:0TO:1.64GM:11ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

The victory against Fenerbahce, who seemed almost unbeatable, and Dzanan Musa's three-point explosion against Valencia Basket gave a stronger pulse to a team that has gone all the way - from being criticized to getting praise.

AS Monaco, Madrid's next opponents, are led by Mike James.

"I remember all the games against Monaco. It's very difficult to stop Mike James, he's always going to score 20 points. But, in the end, Mike James has games where he scores 20 points and they don't win," Chus Mateo said.

The Spanish tactician acknowledges that Monaco "have good players like Jordan Loyd or Elie Okobo, who's great on one-on-one, or Adrien Moerman, who's still trying to adjust."

"It's clear that James is a star in the EuroLeague," Mateo continued.

"I don't care if he scores 20 points. I care if he has 10 assists and 6 rebounds that can make his teammates better", Mateo pointed out.

Monaco will arrive in Madrid after a great winning streak and only three losses all-season long.

"The past is already past. We must be consistent, solid on one-on-one defense and everyone should take personal responsibility. Being able to stop a team that has punishes turnovers scoring 14 points off steals, in addition to the points they get off rebounds", he commented.

The good news for Real Madrid is that Guerschon Yabusele's back. "He started practicing and possibly will be on the squad," Mateo said.

"Cornelie had a fever and has returned to practicing alone. Gaby Deck and Tavares are overloaded, although I hope they'll be available. Rudy (Fernandez) and (Adam) Hanga are definitely out, "he explained.

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