Mike James talks about pressure, Obradovic and high standards for himself / News - Basketnews.com

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Mike James recently became the EuroLeague MVP of March, guiding AS Monaco to a 4-1 record and a historic achievement.

Mike James

MIN:30.75PTS:16.47 (51.17%)REB:2.97As:5.75ST:1.28BL:0.09TO:2.59GM:32ProfileEuroLeague2021/2022

Despite facing such elite competition in the middle of a playoffs race, James was able to raise his game during March with 23.6 PIR, 19.8 points, and 3.8 rebounds on average while maintaining his assists at 5.4 per game.

He shot a remarkable 54.8% on two-pointers, 43.3% on threes, and 89.7% on free throws.

James is now the only EuroLeague player to rank among the top five in three major statistical categories: points (third, 16.5), assists (third, 5.8), and PIR (fifth, 17.7).

Talking to EuroLeague, Mike James admitted that this successful stretch for him and for the club, massively boost their common confidence level.

"Honestly, it's a good time for our confidence. I think with the playoffs, the whole game is going to change. You lock in a little bit more on each player and lock in on just different styles."

"I mean it's hard to win a game even with a home-court advantage. Two times, I lost with the home-court advantage, we just ran into the wrong team at the wrong time. It happens.

I think a home-court advantage is good. I think it makes you feel good. It's a testament that you have been playing very well all year but I don't think it's the be-all tell-all," the 31-year-old commented regarding playoffs momentum.

As stated by James, Monaco are not feeling any particular pressure before entering the EuroLeague playoffs phase.

"As a team, we don't have pressure. But I think going into playoffs, certain players always have more pressure than others. Me, as a person, not going into the Final Four is not a good thing, just because of how I hold myself in the league and how I hold my standard as high as possible.

Mike James

Team:Monaco BasketPosition:PG, SGAge:31Height:185 cmWeight:84 kgBirth place:Oregon, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Obviously, more teams with the home-court advantage have higher pressure. Probably, Anadolu Efes have higher expectations, just being the defending champions."

Roca Team star also spoke about playing for coach Sasa Obradovic.

"I think we speak kind of the same language basketball-wise, we both kind of have a chip on our shoulders. We are both ultra-competitive, want to win and we have an attitude - we are here to win and we are going to do whatever it takes."

Playing with Donta Hall was another topic in the EuroLeague interview.

"Donta is easy to get along with, always smiling, always cracking jokes, kind of like me, off the court. So, we get along very well. We have got an easy-going group in general, so it's easy just to talk, hang out outside of basketball, and joke. Nobody takes it really too seriously.

He is one of those guys that puts himself in the right position to be open. He is really good at catching the ball and athletic. It gives a wide pass range for him," James told on the connection with Hall.

Last but not least, the agile guard touched on life in Monaco. According to the player, he is relishing his time here.

"It (Monaco) is a lot smaller but it has very good weather, great places to eat. It gives me a nice balance between being in the mix and kind of wanting to be away and being at home. I think it's really relaxing. I enjoy it and like living here."

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