Crvena Zvezda Dominates Fourth Quarter to Defeat Anadolu Efes 91-81 in Belgrade

Crvena Zvezda Completes Comeback Victory at Belgrade Arena

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade delivered an impressive performance in front of 16,797 passionate home fans at Belgrade Arena, securing a crucial 91-81 victory over Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 29 of EuroLeague action. The Serbian side bounced back from recent losses with a commanding display, particularly in the second and fourth quarters, where they outscored their Turkish opponents decisively.

After trailing 23-19 at the end of the first quarter, Crvena Zvezda took control of the game with a dominant 25-14 run in the second period. The hosts maintained their momentum throughout the contest, never allowing Anadolu Efes to regain the initiative despite a competitive third quarter. The victory was sealed with a 26-19 fourth-quarter performance that showcased the depth and determination of the Belgrade squad.

Butler's Three-Point Barrage Lights Up Belgrade

The standout performer of the evening was undoubtedly Jared Butler, who came off the bench to deliver a spectacular shooting display. The American guard was sensational from beyond the arc, connecting on seven of nine three-point attempts to finish with 21 points in just over 22 minutes of playing time. His efficiency rating of 22 reflected his massive impact on the game, as he provided the offensive spark that Crvena Zvezda needed to pull away from their opponents.

Butler's performance was complemented by solid contributions across the roster. Codi Miller-McIntyre orchestrated the offense brilliantly, recording a double-digit scoring and assist performance with 12 points and 6 assists while adding 6 rebounds. His plus-minus of +12 demonstrated his overall positive influence during his nearly 30 minutes on court. The veteran point guard's ability to control tempo and make smart decisions was crucial in maintaining Crvena Zvezda's advantage throughout the second half.

Balanced Scoring Attack Proves Decisive

Jordan Nwora continued his consistent form with 14 points on efficient 5-of-11 shooting from the field, while also contributing 3 rebounds and 2 assists. His physical presence and ability to score inside proved valuable against Anadolu Efes's defense. Similarly, Chima Moneke showcased his versatility with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, converting 5 of 8 field goal attempts. The Nigerian forward's efficiency and plus-minus of +11 highlighted his importance to the team's success.

The bench production was particularly impressive for Crvena Zvezda. Nikola Kalinic, the experienced Serbian forward, provided valuable minutes with 9 points and 7 rebounds, including 4 offensive boards that led to second-chance opportunities. Joel Bolomboy added 9 points and 7 rebounds of his own, while Ebuka Izundu chipped in with 6 points and 4 rebounds during his 12 minutes of action. This depth proved crucial in maintaining intensity throughout the 40 minutes.

Anadolu Efes Struggles Despite Dozier's Efforts

For Anadolu Efes Istanbul, the loss continued a frustrating pattern following their recent three-game winning streak. PJ Dozier led the Turkish side with an excellent all-around performance, scoring 21 points while adding 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and a block. His efficiency rating of 22 matched Butler's, but he lacked sufficient support from his teammates to overcome Crvena Zvezda's balanced attack.

Isaia Cordinier provided a spark off the bench with 14 points on perfect 4-of-4 two-point shooting and 2-of-6 from three-point range. However, his 18 minutes of playing time resulted in a -7 plus-minus, reflecting Anadolu Efes's struggles when he was on the court. Jordan Loyd, who started and played nearly 25 minutes, managed 12 points but struggled with his shooting efficiency, connecting on just 3 of 9 field goal attempts.

Ercan Osmani was efficient in the paint with 11 points on 4-of-4 two-point shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 2 assists. The Turkish big man's ability to score inside kept Anadolu Efes competitive, but his 3 turnovers proved costly in critical moments. Sehmus Hazer added 8 points in his 16 minutes as a starter, but the team's overall shooting struggles, particularly from three-point range, limited their offensive effectiveness.

Defensive Intensity and Rebounding Battle

The game was characterized by intense defensive efforts from both sides, with Crvena Zvezda ultimately gaining the edge in key statistical categories. The hosts dominated the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive glass where they created numerous second-chance opportunities. Vincent Poirier tried to anchor Anadolu Efes's interior defense with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks, but he fouled out after accumulating 5 personal fouls, limiting his impact to just over 20 minutes.

Kai Jones, coming off the bench for Anadolu Efes, provided energy with 2 blocks and 3 rebounds in his 20 minutes, but managed only 2 points on 1-of-1 shooting with 0-of-2 free throw shooting. The Bahamas native's defensive presence wasn't enough to contain Crvena Zvezda's diverse offensive threats.

Tactical Adjustments Prove Crucial

Crvena Zvezda's coaching staff made excellent adjustments after the first quarter, tightening their defensive rotations and exploiting mismatches in transition. The 25-14 second quarter was the turning point, as the hosts forced Anadolu Efes into uncomfortable offensive possessions and capitalized on turnovers. Saben Lee tried to provide playmaking for the visitors with 4 assists in just over 20 minutes, but his 0-for-4 shooting from the field and 2 turnovers reflected the struggles of Anadolu Efes's second unit.

The fourth quarter proved decisive as Crvena Zvezda's superior depth and home-court energy overwhelmed their opponents. With the crowd firmly behind them, the Serbian champions executed their offense with precision, finding open shooters and attacking defensive breakdowns. Butler's three-point shooting stretched the floor, while the interior presence of Moneke and Nwora provided balance that Anadolu Efes couldn't match.

Implications for the EuroLeague Standings

This victory was crucial for Crvena Zvezda's playoff aspirations, coming after consecutive losses to Olympiacos Piraeus and Maccabi Tel Aviv. The win improved their recent form and demonstrated their ability to respond to adversity with a complete team performance. The 10-point margin of victory, while not overwhelming, reflected their control of the game from the second quarter onward.

For Anadolu Efes, the defeat was a setback after their impressive three-game winning streak at home. The Turkish powerhouse will need to regroup and find more consistent offensive production beyond Dozier and Cordinier. Their struggles on the road continue to be a concern, particularly their inability to maintain defensive intensity for a full 40 minutes against quality opposition.

The contrast in team dynamics was evident in the plus-minus statistics, with multiple Crvena Zvezda players posting double-digit positive numbers while several Anadolu Efes rotation players finished with negative ratings. This collective team effort, rather than individual brilliance, proved to be the difference in a game where execution and chemistry ultimately prevailed over talent alone.

Looking Ahead

Crvena Zvezda will take tremendous confidence from this performance as they continue their EuroLeague campaign. The emergence of Butler as a reliable scoring threat off the bench, combined with the steady leadership of Miller-McIntyre and the versatility of Nwora and Moneke, gives them multiple offensive weapons to deploy in crucial upcoming fixtures. Their ability to win without dominant performances from their starting frontcourt players like Donatas Motiejunas, who played limited minutes, showcases impressive roster depth.

Anadolu Efes must address their road woes and find ways to generate more consistent offense from their starting lineup. While Dozier's performance was encouraging, they cannot rely on a single player to carry the offensive load against elite European competition. The return to Istanbul will provide an opportunity to reset and prepare for their remaining fixtures with renewed focus and determination.