Crvena Zvezda Dominates Paris Basketball 94-81 in Belgrade Triumph

Comprehensive Victory at Home

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade delivered an impressive performance at the Belgrade Arena, defeating Paris Basketball 94-81 in Round 36 of the EuroLeague. The Serbian side controlled proceedings from the opening tip, establishing an early lead they would never relinquish. Despite a competitive first half that saw the visitors stay within striking distance, Crvena Zvezda's superior execution in the second half secured a crucial home victory that halted their recent struggles.

The victory was particularly sweet for the home fans, as it came after a difficult stretch that included losses to Partizan, Barcelona, and Panathinaikos. The team's energy and focus were evident throughout, with balanced contributions across the roster and a defensive effort that limited Paris's offensive opportunities when it mattered most.

First Half Sets the Tone

Crvena Zvezda stormed out of the gates with an explosive first quarter, taking a 34-28 lead behind sharp three-point shooting and aggressive offensive play. Codi Miller-McIntyre opened the scoring with a three-pointer just 19 seconds into the game, setting the tone for what would be a commanding performance from the American guard. The hosts shot with confidence, converting multiple transition opportunities into easy baskets.

Chima Moneke was particularly effective in the opening period, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line repeatedly. His physicality and energy on both ends of the floor energized his teammates and frustrated Paris's defenders. The Nigerian forward finished the first quarter with multiple trips to the charity stripe, showcasing his ability to attack the rim relentlessly.

The second quarter saw Paris mount a response, with Nadir Hifi leading the charge for the visitors. The French guard displayed excellent shot-making ability, knocking down a crucial three-pointer and getting to the free-throw line through aggressive drives. However, Crvena Zvezda maintained their composure and led 57-54 at halftime, thanks in large part to Ebuka Izundu's perfect shooting from the field in limited minutes.

Defensive Masterclass After Halftime

The third quarter proved to be the turning point of the contest, as Crvena Zvezda's defense elevated to another level. The hosts limited Paris to just 15 points in the period while scoring 23 themselves, extending their lead to 80-69 heading into the final frame. The defensive intensity was relentless, with multiple steals and contested shots disrupting Paris's offensive rhythm.

Ognjen Dobric caught fire from beyond the arc in the third quarter, hitting crucial three-pointers that pushed the lead into double digits. His shooting provided the spacing needed for Moneke and others to operate inside, creating a balanced offensive attack that Paris struggled to contain. The Serbian shooter's confidence grew with each make, and his teammates consistently found him in his favorite spots.

Izundu continued his remarkable efficiency in the third period, converting every opportunity around the basket. The Nigerian center's activity on the offensive glass and finishing ability made him a constant threat in the paint. His perfect 6-for-6 shooting performance was a testament to his positioning and the quality of looks his teammates created for him.

Stellar Individual Performances

Miller-McIntyre orchestrated the offense masterfully throughout the game, finishing with 16 points and an outstanding 14 assists. His court vision and decision-making were exceptional, as he consistently found open teammates and made the right reads against Paris's defensive schemes. The playmaker also contributed 4 rebounds and 3 steals, showcasing his two-way impact. His ability to control tempo and manage the game in crucial moments was invaluable to Crvena Zvezda's success.

Moneke delivered a complete performance with a game-high 21 points on efficient 6-for-10 shooting from the field. He added 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, demonstrating his versatility and importance to the team's system. His 8-for-10 showing from the free-throw line highlighted his ability to draw contact and convert under pressure. The Nigerian forward's activity level never waned, and his defensive presence helped limit Paris's second-chance opportunities.

Dobric provided the perimeter punch with 19 points, including a scorching 5-for-9 performance from three-point range. His floor spacing created driving lanes for teammates and forced Paris's defense to extend, opening up opportunities in the paint. The Serbian sharpshooter's timely buckets in the third quarter effectively sealed the game's outcome, as Paris could never recover from the deficit his shooting helped create.

Paris's Bright Spots Not Enough

For Paris Basketball, Hifi led the scoring effort with 20 points on 5-for-10 shooting, including 2-for-6 from three-point range. He also converted 8 of his 10 free-throw attempts and added 3 assists, showing his ability to create offense in multiple ways. However, the young guard received insufficient support from his teammates when it mattered most, particularly in the decisive third quarter.

Justin Robinson contributed 13 points and 3 assists for the visitors, but his 0-for-7 performance from three-point range proved costly. The American guard got to the free-throw line frequently, making all 5 of his attempts, but couldn't find his range from distance. His driving ability kept Paris competitive in stretches, but without the outside shot falling, Crvena Zvezda's defense could load up in the paint.

Jared Rhoden also scored 13 points for Paris, shooting 6-for-14 from the field with solid interior scoring. However, his 1-for-7 showing from beyond the arc mirrored the team's overall struggles from three-point range. The visitors' inability to knock down open looks allowed Crvena Zvezda to maintain and extend their advantage throughout the second half.

Fourth Quarter Seals the Deal

The final period saw Crvena Zvezda manage the game professionally, never allowing Paris to mount a serious comeback threat. The hosts scored 14 points in the quarter while limiting the visitors to just 12, demonstrating their ability to execute in winning time. The crowd at Belgrade Arena provided constant energy, urging their team forward and celebrating each defensive stop.

Paris showed some fight with Yakuba Ouattara hitting a late three-pointer and the team drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line, but it was too little, too late. Crvena Zvezda's veteran composure shone through as they converted their own free throws and made smart decisions with the ball. The 13-point final margin accurately reflected the home team's superiority over the full 40 minutes.

This victory provides crucial momentum for Crvena Zvezda as they look to finish the EuroLeague season strong, while Paris Basketball will need to regroup quickly after this disappointing road performance. The efficiency of Izundu, the playmaking of Miller-McIntyre, and the scoring of Moneke and Dobric give the Serbian side a blueprint for success moving forward.