Crvena Zvezda Belgrade vs Paris: Zvezda Secure 90-81 EuroLeague Win Behind Dominant Third Quarter

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade defeated Paris Basketball 90-81 in a hard-fought EuroLeague matchup, using a decisive third-quarter surge and a strong home-court atmosphere to pull away from a resilient Paris side. The final score reflected Zvezda’s control over the glass and their ability to execute in the half court when the game tightened in the fourth quarter.

For Crvena Zvezda, the result was a valuable EuroLeague win against a Paris team known for its speed, spacing, and aggressive transition attack. For Paris, the loss left positives in the backcourt but ultimately highlighted the difficulty of containing Zvezda’s interior presence and second-chance opportunities.

Match Overview

The game followed a clear pattern: Paris wanted to play fast and force early offense, while Crvena Zvezda looked to slow the tempo and punish mismatches inside. Belgrade led 24-18 after the first quarter, but Paris responded with a better second period, trimming the deficit and briefly making the game feel like a track meet.

By halftime, the contest was still manageable for Paris. The third quarter, however, changed the complexion of the night. Crvena Zvezda opened the second half with renewed defensive intensity, forced Paris into contested shots, and converted stops into quick offense. The home side won the third period 26-17, building a cushion that Paris could not fully erase.

• Quarter scores: Crvena Zvezda 24-19-26-21 — Paris 18-23-17-23
• Final score: Crvena Zvezda Belgrade 90, Paris 81
• Key run: A 15-2 third-quarter surge gave Zvezda lasting separation
• Rebounds: Crvena Zvezda 38, Paris 30
• Turnovers: Crvena Zvezda 9, Paris 14

Key Moments

Crvena Zvezda set the tone early with a 10-2 run, feeding off the energy of the Belgrade crowd. Paris steadied itself behind quick ball movement and three-point shooting, cutting the lead to 35-33 midway through the second quarter. A late Paris push made it a one-possession game at times, but Zvezda always had an answer near the rim.

The decisive stretch came after halftime. With the score at 48-45, Crvena Zvezda rattled off a 15-2 run that included transition finishes, an offensive rebound put-back, and a pair of open three-pointers. Paris called timeout, but the momentum had already shifted. Every time Paris threatened in the fourth quarter, Zvezda responded with a composed half-court possession or a trip to the free-throw line.

Standout Players and Box Score Highlights

• Filip Petrušev (Crvena Zvezda): 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks — a constant problem inside for Paris
• Nemanja Nedović (Crvena Zvezda): 17 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds — provided scoring bursts when the offense stalled
• Miloš Teodosić (Crvena Zvezda): 12 points, 9 assists — controlled the tempo and delivered key passes in the third-quarter run
• Ognjen Dobrić (Crvena Zvezda): 14 points, 4 rebounds — efficient from the wing and active defensively
• TJ Shorts (Paris): 20 points, 7 assists — kept Paris within striking distance with relentless drives
• Nadir Hifi (Paris): 16 points, 3 rebounds — hit difficult shots but could not sustain a late rally
• Mikael Jantunen (Paris): 12 points, 6 rebounds — gave Paris energy in the paint

Crvena Zvezda’s balanced scoring was a major factor. Four players reached double figures, and the team finished with 22 assists on 31 made field goals. Paris had moments of brilliance from its guards, but the offense became too reliant on individual creation as the game wore on.

Tactical Story

The tactical battle was a clash of styles. Paris tried to push the pace after makes and misses, looking to attack before Zvezda’s half-court defense could set. Crvena Zvezda countered by crashing the offensive glass, switching aggressively on screens, and forcing Paris into long, contested two-point attempts.

Zvezda’s size around the rim was especially important. Petrušev and the frontline combined to win the rebounding battle and protect the paint, while Teodosić and Nedović managed the game in the backcourt. Paris found some success when Shorts turned the corner in pick-and-roll situations, but the team’s 14 turnovers and 10-of-31 three-point shooting prevented a sustained comeback.

EuroLeague Standings and Season Impact

This 90-81 win gives Crvena Zvezda another important home result in the EuroLeague regular season and strengthens their position in the race for the play-in and playoff places. Home victories carry extra weight in the EuroLeague