Dubai Basketball suffered a narrow 87:92 defeat in the very first preseason game this summer, played against Turkish giants Galatasaray MCT Technic in Istanbul. Despite missing several important players who are still on international duty, the team showed promising signs in its debut performance.

Summer signing McKinley Wright IV led the way with an impressive 23 points, once again confirming his leadership role on both ends of the floor, while Nate Mason added 14 points for our team.

First half: Steady response to Galatasaray’s early run

The game started with a symbolic moment as Justin Anderson sank Dubai Basketball’s very first basket of the preseason — a three-pointer. From there, McKinley Wright IV took charge, scoring 5 early points, including a smooth transition triple, to keep the score tied at 8:8 after three minutes.

Galatasaray MCT Technic answered with an 8:0 run, highlighted by two Errick McCollum triples and a John Meeks’ dunk, to take a 22:16 lead. By the end of the first quarter, Dubai Basketball trailed 25:18.

In the second quarter, Tomislav Zubčić and Kosta Kondić provided a spark, with Kondić hitting from deep to close the gap. Dwayne Bacon also knocked down an important three-pointer, while McKinley Wright IV and Nate Mason pushed the pace in transition. Dubai Basketball even managed to tie the game late in the half at 47:47, before Galatasaray MCT Technic entered the break slightly ahead, 49:47.

Second half: Dubai takes the lead, Galatasaray rallies late

The third quarter saw Dubai Basketball’s best stretch of the night. Mason and Wright combined for a quick scoring burst that gave our side a 61:56 lead, before Justin Anderson’s basket pushed the gap to its largest margin of the evening at 67:60.

Galatasaray MCT Technic, however, responded strongly with a 9:2 run to tie the game at 69:69, while at the start of the final quarter Muhsin Yasar dominated inside, helping the hosts restore control. Still, Dubai Basketball showed resilience — Nemanja Dangubić knocked down a three-pointer, McKinley Wright IV added back-to-back baskets and Kosta Kondić hit another triple to keep the game close at 83:80 for the Turkish side, with just minutes remaining.

In the final stretch, Galatasaray MCT Technic made the decisive 7:2 run to extend the lead to 90:82. In the final moments of the match, Nate Mason drilled a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 92:87, but Dubai Basketball could not fully complete the comeback as the hosts clinched the win.

-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 Jurica Golemac. 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:

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Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dubaibasketballclub/
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YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@DubaiBasketball

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