Mike James reacts to Maccabi fans behavior: 'I see hatred more as recognition' / News - Basketnews.com

Mike James noted that he had experienced similar atmospheres before, such as when he played for Panathinaikos against Olympiacos. He sees the hostility as a form of recognition and respect.

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On Tuesday night, AS Monaco star Mike James was prepared for whatever challenges Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv may throw at him, whether it was during the game or outside of it.

Player of the Game EFF 16 Donatas Motiejūnas Points 9 Accuracy 4-5 Rebounds 6 Assists 2

Despite a pre-game confetti strike and loud boos, James was the best version of himself, posting 21 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 16 PIR over 32 minutes. Monaco won 83-78 on the road.

"This pressure, hostility, it doesn't bother me," James told Sports Rabbi's Joshua Halickman. "I played at Panathinaikos with a similar atmosphere against Olympiacos. With all this hatred aimed at me, I see it more as recognition, a form of respect, even. I was ready to play no matter what. Not everyone is like me, but outside I like to be on the pace early, shoot big shots. I am calm in this situation."

James also agreed that the key for him to break out early was due to Maccabi altering their defensive tactics to try and limit his impact.

"They stopped triple-teaming me, and they began guarding me one-on-one basically," James said. "In the first two games, it was a lot of doubles and heavy stunts and trying to get the ball out of my hands.

"I guess they tried to go with something a little bit different and guard me straight up and one-on-one. I like myself against a lot of people so I was able to get a rhythm and exploit some mismatches."

Game 4 is Thursday in Tel Aviv. If Monaco wins, Roca Team will reach its first EuroLeague Final Four.

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