The AS Monaco big man provided a handful of key plays in Sunday's win (photo FIBA.com)
Daniel Theis marked his return to European hoops with Germany win
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Less than a week after his signing with AS Monaco and in his first game in nearly a month, Daniel Theis got the rust off in helping Germany to a 94-85 victory over Bulgaria on Sunday in Bamberg, Germany, the city where he last played in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Theis tallied 12 points and 3 rebounds in 19:42 minutes to help Germany clinch a berth at EuroBasket 2025.
Theis was tied for second on the team in scoring and tied for the team lead with a PIR of 13. He made all 3 of his two-point shots and knocked down his only three while converting 3 of 4 free throws. Theis also contributed an assist and a steal.
It was good news for Monaco, which will now focus on working the big man into its plans down the stretch of the EuroLeague season.
Theis's last game before Sunday was on January 29, when he played for the New Orleans Hornets on the road at the Dallas Mavericks. It would be the last of his 452 games over eight seasons in the NBA. He was traded the following week to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who then released Theis. The big men entertained offers on both sides of the Atlantic before deciding to sign with Monaco.
The French League champions are surely please to see Theis back in action and making an impact. He entered Sunday's game midway through the first quarter with Germany trailing 10-13. He had a key role in his team taking over with a dunk and an assist in a 16-0 run as Germany raced to a 28-21 lead after 10 minutes. He added a put-back early in the second quarter and 2 free throws late in the half as Germany cemented the lead, 62-35 at the break.
After scoring 5 more points in the third quarter, Theis was on the floor late when Bulgaria rallied. His offensive rebound, foul drawn and free throw in the final minute helped Germany put the game on ice. And showed the spirit Monaco will hope to see when they visit EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Thursday.