Dubai failed to reach even 60 points against Crvena Zvezda. Their second consecutive defeat came with an offensive collapse, leaving their performance a long way short of their ambitions.
“Who go to Final Four?” The line belongs to Zeljko Obradovic, from his unforgettable press conference after Panathinaikos beat Prokom in 2009. Back then, Obradovic wanted to shake his players into action. Today, the same question feels entirely appropriate for Dubai after their display against Crvena Zvezda.
The 58-77 defeat at Coca-Cola Arena was a harsh wake-up call. Following their loss to Fenerbahce, Xavi Pascual’s team dropped to 2-2, this time falling apart on home court. Dubai scored 21 points in the opening quarter and just 37 across the remaining 30 minutes, managing only 10, 15 and 12 points in the next three periods. Their offense lost its rhythm and never found a way to escape the Serbian side’s pressure.
The most alarming statistic came from the backcourt. McKinley Wright, Thomas Walkup, Kosta Kondic and Mintz combined for just one point, shooting 0-for-14 from the field. Dwayne Bacon finished with 13 points, Toko Shengelia added 12 and Elie Okobo scored 10, but Dubai could not turn those individual contributions into an effective collective performance.
Crvena Zvezda, meanwhile, had Jordan Nwora leading the way with 20 points, Semi Ojeleye adding 12 and Jared Butler contributing 11. Above all, they had the defensive focus to control the contest and leave Dubai with a convincing 19-point victory.
Four rounds are far too few to deliver a final verdict. They are enough, however, to remind Dubai that Final Four ambitions demand much greater consistency, teamwork and a stronger response when things get difficult. With so much talent available, scoring just 58 points at home is a serious warning. Pascual has plenty of work ahead of him.