TJ Shorts delivered another outstanding performance against Paris, reminding us why his name already belongs in the EuroLeague MVP conversation.
Valencia returned to winning ways with a 104–93 victory in Paris, but TJ Shorts made sure much of the conversation would revolve around him. And understandably so. The American finished with 25 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds and a PIR of 33 in just 24:14 on the floor. He shot 7-for-11 on two-pointers, 2-for-3 from beyond the arc and 5-for-5 from the line, committing just one turnover. In other words, he did pretty much whatever he wanted without even needing to play for half an hour.
Paris know him well, of course. Very well. The problem is that familiarity offers little comfort when he is on the other side. On his previous return to the French capital, wearing a Panathinaikos jersey, he left with a victory, 13 points and 6 assists. This time, he came back with Valencia and raised the bar even higher. A different jersey, the same outcome for his former club, who would probably prefer his future visits to involve greetings and hugs rather than another game against them…
Still, the story with Shorts goes beyond one special night against his former team. What stands out is the combination of scoring and playmaking and, above all, how little he seems to waste while producing so much. The 25 points catch the eye, naturally. But nine assists against a single turnover say just as much about his influence on the game. He can finish possessions himself while keeping his teammates involved throughout. For a player carrying so much responsibility on offence, that is an enormous asset.
The signs were there from the beginning. He scored 26 points on his EuroLeague debut for Valencia, then combined 12 points with 10 assists against Baskonia. Through his first four games, he was already averaging 17.5 points and 6.2 assists in fewer than 22 minutes. His performance in Paris adds to a picture that has been taking shape for weeks. Shorts has found a role that allows him to express his game again, and he is enjoying it.
Chants as a rival player, @TjShorts5 felt the love in Paris tonight! https://t.co/aZjMY6sEZR
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) October 23, 2026
That naturally brings us to the MVP conversation. Yes, it is still October, and there is a long road ahead. Even so, based on what we have seen so far, Shorts is clearly among the candidates. His scoring, playmaking and efficiency make a strong case, particularly when they translate into victories. The strength of that candidacy will depend on his ability to maintain this influence as the demands of the season grow.
For now, though, he is giving us every reason to pay closer attention. There is something compelling about watching a guard make so many decisions and find so many good answers within a game. For anyone who loves basketball, it is a pleasure. For those responsible for stopping him, the experience is probably rather different. Just ask Paris…
What a performance from @valenciabasket on the road tonight, @TjShorts5 putting up a fantastic performance on his return to Paris #EveryGameMatters https://t.co/GPdK5T0ANO
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) October 23, 2026
