Dubai Basketball suffered their first EuroLeague home defeat at Coca-Cola Arena, falling 95:97 to Maccabi Tel Aviv in a tightly contested Round 16 matchup. After building a reputation for controlling games on home court, Dubai were pushed to the limit by a visiting side that managed to execute in the decisive moments.

The game unfolded with Dubai gradually losing control of the tempo in the middle stages. Maccabi established a double-digit advantage during the third quarter, stretching the margin to 17 points after consistently scoring inside and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Dubai struggled to match that physicality for long stretches and entered the final period facing a significant deficit.

What followed was a strong response from Jurica Golemac’s team. Dubai increased defensive pressure, played with more pace, and steadily erased the gap. The comeback was highlighted by improved ball movement and perimeter shot-making, allowing the hosts to level the score late in the fourth quarter. McKinley Wright played a central role in the rally, including a crucial four-point play in the closing seconds that brought the game to 95:95 and set up a dramatic finish.

In the final possession, Dubai’s defense collapsed to contain penetration, which opened a lane for Maccabi to find a clear look at the rim. The visitors converted from close range with under four seconds remaining, leaving Dubai with one last attempt that narrowly missed at the buzzer.

McKinley Wright was central to Dubai’s effort, contributing 26 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds, keeping the team in contention and orchestrating several critical sequences. Justin Anderson also had a notable performance, adding 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.