The French All-Stars ended a three-year wait for All-Star Game glory on the evening of Sunday, December 28, edging past the World All-Stars 165–159 after two overtime periods at a packed Accor Arena in Paris — with the Roca Team’s players playing decisive roles on both sides of the contest.
Paris guard Nadir Hifi was named MVP after producing 27 points, five rebounds and five assists, but the influence of Monaco’s Roca Team was impossible to ignore. Élie Okobo and Matthew Strazel delivered in the defining moments for Team France, while Mike James was the driving force behind the World All-Stars’ challenge.
The World team made a statement early, racing into a nine-point lead inside six minutes as James took control of proceedings. The Monaco star orchestrated the offence with authority, combining scoring and playmaking to unsettle a French side slow out of the blocks. His impact forced an early timeout and set the tone for a fast, physical contest.
France gradually settled, with Hifi finding his rhythm and Okobo emerging as a steadying presence. The Monaco guard became increasingly influential as the game wore on, particularly in high-pressure situations. Regulation time ended level at 131–131 after James forced overtime with a late basket, though his missed free throw denied the World All-Stars a dramatic win at the buzzer.
The first extra period swung violently, as both teams traded momentum. Despite the World All-Stars capitalising on French turnovers, it was Matthew Strazel who produced the moment of the night, draining a corner three-pointer to send the game into a second overtime and ignite the Accor Arena.
In the final five minutes, Okobo took centre stage. The Roca Team guard scored seven points in the second overtime, finishing with 22 points and eight assists, as France finally gained separation. His composure, combined with strong defensive efforts, allowed Team France to contain James and close out the game despite a late full-court press.
The victory marks France’s first All-Star Game success since 2022 and underlined Monaco’s growing influence on the domestic stage. While Hifi claimed individual honours, it was the collective impact of Okobo, Strazel and James that defined a night of drama, endurance and elite-level shot-making in Paris.
