Dubai Basketball are now just one victory away from the greatest achievement in club history after defeating Partizan 86:81 in Game 2 of the 2026 ABA League Finals and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

With the series now moving to Belgrade, Dubai Basketball need just one more win to lift the ABA League trophy for the first time ever.

Backed by another fantastic atmosphere inside Coca-Cola Arena, our boys once again showed their character and resilience in a game that was a true basketball battle from start to finish.

Partizan opened the game strongly and managed to establish a four-point advantage by the end of the first quarter, leading 24:20. However, our team responded in the second period. Led by strong defensive effort and improved offensive execution, Dubai Basketball gradually erased the deficit and tied the score by halftime at 42:42.

The third quarter proved to be one of the decisive stretches of the evening. Partizan entered the final minutes of the period with a 61:58 lead and appeared to be gaining momentum. Yet our boys answered in spectacular fashion. Mfiondu Kabengele scored two tough baskets, Aleksa Avramović buried a huge contested three-pointer from the corner, while Džanan Musa followed with a deep three of his own to ignite the crowd and push Dubai Basketball back in front. Thanks to that strong finish, the home side entered the final quarter with a 68:66 advantage.

Dubai Basketball carried that momentum into the fourth period. Dwayne Bacon opened the quarter with four consecutive points to extend the lead to 72:66, before the defining moment of the game arrived midway through the final frame.

Holding a narrow 73:69 advantage, our team produced a decisive 9:0 run that completely shifted the game in our favour. The sequence was capped by an unbelievable Džanan Musa basket from behind the backboard, one of the most spectacular shots of the Finals so far, giving Dubai Basketball a commanding 82:69 lead and sending the Coca-Cola Arena crowd into celebration.

Partizan attempted to fight their way back into the contest, but our boys remained calm and composed in the closing minutes, controlling the tempo and protecting the lead all the way to the final buzzer.

Aleksa Avramović and Džanan Musa led the scoring effort with 16 points each, while Mfiondu Kabengele added 13 points and delivered several crucial baskets during Dubai Basketball’s third-quarter comeback.

The Finals now move to Belgrade, where Game 3 will be played on Wednesday, June 10.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s EuroLeague and Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2025/26 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players led by Head Coach Aleksander Sekulić. The club plays their home games at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.

Keep up to date with the latest news on Dubai Basketball by visiting www.dubaibasketball.com or on social media platforms:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dubaibasketballclub
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dubaibasketballclub/
X – https://x.com/dubaibasket
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@DubaiBasketball

Media Enquiries:

David Jover

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or

Hanan Mohamed

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