Unics Kazan edged out Lokomotiv Kuban 88-86 in a thrilling VTB United League playoff contest on May 29, 2025. In a tightly contested battle that went down to the final possession, Unics Kazan secured a narrow home victory to take an early advantage in their series against their domestic rivals. The match was a back-and-forth affair with both teams exchanging leads throughout the second half. The decisive moment came in the final minute, as Unics executed a critical defensive stop and converted key free throws to seal the two-point win. The performance from Unics' backcourt was pivotal, providing clutch scoring and ball-handling under pressure. This result gave Unics Kazan a crucial 1-0 lead in the series, putting pressure on Lokomotiv Kuban to respond in the next fixture. The intense head-to-head showcased the high level of competition in the VTB United League playoffs.