Carlik Jones Highlights Key to Partizan's Second EuroLeague Win and Praises Teammate

Once again, Carlik Jones was the driving force for the Belgrade side. The South Sudan international led the Black-and-Whites with 20 points, one rebound, and four assists, reaffirming his outstanding early-season form.

Speaking after the contest, the talented playmaker highlighted that defensive adjustments and the team's response to the French side's physicality were the key factors behind the comeback win.

The guard then broke down the crucial difference between the two halves.

Boasting a perfect 2-0 record, Partizan heads into the next stage of the EuroLeague campaign in high spirits. Up next is another road test on Friday against Bayern Munich, who will be looking to bounce back from a heavy 100-76 defeat against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

One of the standout performers in Partizan's road victory in the French capital was Luca Vildoza.

Just as he did in Round 1 against Olimpia Milano, Carlik Jones poured in 20 points to lead Partizan in scoring. While Jones continues to build a strong early MVP case ahead of the Munich clash, immense credit for the 92-79 victory over Paris also belongs to Luca Vildoza.

The former Crvena Zvezda guard tallied 16 points (6-of-7 on two-pointers, 1-of-2 from deep) and racked up six steals, playing a pivotal role during crunch time. The bulk of Vildoza's offense stemmed from his defensive hustle, translating deflections and steals into easy transition points.

One of the defining moments arrived late in the third quarter when a breakdown in Partizan's rotation gave Paris an open look from beyond the arc. Almost...

Positioned deep under the basket, Vildoza sprinted out to the perimeter at the last moment, picked off the pass, and finished a fast-break layup to push the lead to seven—Partizan's largest margin up to that point. While Paris responded with a three to trim the deficit to four, Vildoza's electrifying sequence gave the Black-and-Whites clear momentum, showing that sustained defensive intensity would carry them over the finish line.

Vildoza delivered another decisive stretch midway through the fourth quarter, scoring four consecutive points to extend the lead to 13 while collecting his sixth steal to set a new personal best.

While two games represent a small sample size, Vildoza is delivering exactly what was expected of him: playing lockdown perimeter defense, pressuring opposing ball-handlers (highlighted by his work on Nadir Hifi), injecting energy off the bench, and contributing efficient secondary scoring without dominating touches.

He looks determined, physically sharp, and appears to have forged an instant connection with both Carlik Jones and head coach Joan Peñarroya.

If he maintains this level of play, he will prove to be a massive acquisition for the Black-and-Whites.

VIDEO: Vildoza puts on a masterclass!