Dubai walked into the Mediolanum Forum and handed Olimpia Milano a 101-97 defeat on the opening night of EuroLeague action, riding a composed fourth quarter and a blistering night from beyond the arc to leave Italy with a statement road win. In a game that swung four times in the final six minutes, the visitors found the big shots when it mattered most, closing on a 9-2 run to silence the home crowd.

Match Overview

It was billed as a test of EuroLeague legitimacy for the newcomers and a must-win home opener for a Milano side with playoff ambitions. What unfolded was a high-tempo, free-flowing contest with 198 points, 41 made three-pointers attempted between the two teams, and almost no let-up in pace across 40 minutes.

Milano led 50-49 at the break and looked to have seized control midway through the third, but Dubai's shot-making from deep kept the game within a single possession almost every time the Italian side threatened to pull away.

Key Moments

• Opening burst: Dubai came out firing, hitting four of their first six attempts from three-point range to take an early 27-19 cushion before Milano responded.
• Milano's second-quarter surge: A 14-3 run midway through the period, built on transition buckets and second-chance points, turned an eight-point deficit into a halftime lead.
• The third-quarter swing: Back-to-back triples from the visitors restored a 75-73 edge heading into the final frame.
• Closing sequence: With the score tied at 95-95 and 1:40 remaining, Dubai scored on three consecutive possessions — a corner three, a drive-and-kick layup, and two free throws — to seal it.

Tactical Story

Milano's game plan was clear: attack the paint, get to the rim, and force Dubai's big men into help situations. It worked for long stretches. The hosts scored 44 points in the paint and shot 24-of-42 from inside the arc, punishing switches and generating good looks off dribble penetration.

The problem was the other end. Dubai's spacing was excellent, with shooters positioned well beyond the arc and a willingness to fire early in the shot clock. The visitors attempted 34 threes and connected on 15 of them, and their ball movement forced Milano into a series of late closeouts. The home side also lost the turnover battle 13-10, and Dubai converted those extra possessions into 17 points.

Milano's rebounding advantage (36-33) and a strong night on the offensive glass kept them in it, but Dubai's efficiency in half-court sets — particularly in isolation situations late — was the difference.

Standout Players

• Dwayne Bacon (Dubai) — 27 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists: The engine of the offence, scoring at all three levels and repeatedly drawing help defenders before finding shooters.
• Klemen Prepelič (Dubai) — 22 points, 5-of-10 from three: His fourth-quarter shooting was decisive, including the go-ahead triple inside the final two minutes.
• Shavon Shields (Milano) — 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists: The most consistent offensive threat for the hosts, attacking closeouts and getting to the line.
• Zach LeDay (Milano) — 18 points, 7 rebounds: Dominant in the mid-post and a constant source of second-chance opportunities.
• Nicolò Melli (Milano) — 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists: Helped stabilise the offence in the third quarter before foul trouble limited his closing minutes.

What It Means for the EuroLeague Table

The result gives Dubai a road win against a traditional EuroLeague power — exactly the kind of result that builds credibility in a debut campaign. For Milano, it is a frustrating home loss in a game where they shot well enough to win, and it puts early pressure on the team to protect home court in the coming weeks.

Both teams now face quick turnarounds, with Milano heading out on the road and Dubai returning home for what will be a heavily scrutinised first home fixture of the season. If the visitors can replicate this level of perimeter shooting and late-game poise, they will be far more than a novelty act in this competition.