ZVEZDA VS PARIS: Red-and-whites chase fourth straight EuroLeague win at Belgrade Arena!
- Zvezda eye fourth consecutive EuroLeague victory
- Paris without key player Nadir Hifi
- Red-and-whites lead head-to-head record 3-1
Crvena Zvezda vs. Paris (Tip-off at 8:00 PM CET)
Pre-Game Preview
Fresh off a dramatic buzzer-beater victory against ASVEL in Villeurbanne, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet have returned home with little time to rest as they host Paris this Friday at 8:00 PM CET, aiming to extend their winning streak in the EuroLeague.
The red-and-whites have urged their fans to pack the Arena and provide the home court advantage needed to secure another European triumph.
Izundu participates in Thursday's practice
Head coach Ibon Navarro held an extended practice session with the squad on Thursday at Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, with center Ebuka Izundu participating on a limited basis.
Speaking to the media after practice, the Spanish tactician stated:
Defensively, we were quite solid in Lyon. But Friday against Paris will be very tough. It is clear that our defensive communication was very poor in the first half, filled with costly lapses in concentration and execution. That is a scenario we will face about 40 to 45 times tomorrow throughout the game. Every time you score or miss a shot, they look to push the pace. If you are not locked in for all 24 seconds on both offense and defense, you will make a mistake—and they are an exceptional team at punishing those errors. – Ibon Navarro
Addressing the injury status of Ebuka Izundu and Johnathan Motley, Navarro noted:
Motley only did shooting drills, nothing more. But he is improving. Izundu looked decent. Naturally, whoever steps on the court must be at 100%. Especially Ebuka, who is a high-energy player. If he is not at 100%, he will not be part of the squad. – Ibon Navarro
Reflecting on the team's resilience, Navarro emphasized:
They have shown tremendous character over the last few games. You can call it character, mental toughness, or whatever you like. Particularly during the second half, there were plenty of moments that could have knocked you down and kept you on the floor, making you feel like 'enough is enough.' Yet the team continued to believe in what we are building. Despite taking those hits, we stayed out there and fought until the final whistle. Fortunately, we pulled it off. That is probably one of the things I am most proud of and most satisfied with. However, that must be accompanied by better execution, especially in the first half. With proper timing, that precision will follow. – Ibon Navarro
You can read Ibon Navarro's full pre-game press conference ahead of the Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet vs. Paris clash in a separate report.
Ojeleye: I just try to battle for my teammates
The red-and-whites have strung together three straight wins in Europe's elite competition, but Semi Ojeleye remains grounded.
They really focus on playing fast and physical. I think they play basketball the right way, so whenever you face a team like that, just like any other, you have to be ready. We still have 24 hours to prepare. – Semi Ojeleye
Coach Navarro praised the 31-year-old forward, describing him as a true warrior.
I appreciate the kind words. I just try to fight for my teammates. Things won't always go perfectly, and I think everyone understands that, so I simply give everything I have for the team.
Read Semi Ojeleye's full interview in a separate article.
Where to watch Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet vs. Paris?
The EuroLeague Round 6 matchup between Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and Paris will be broadcast live on Arena Premium 1.
You can also follow real-time text commentary via Sportal's live blog.
What lies ahead for Zvezda after Paris?
Next week in the EuroLeague brings basketball fans the first Eternal Derby of the season, as Partizan host Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in Round 7.
In the ABA League this weekend, the red-and-whites travel to face Krka on Sunday at 4:00 PM CET.
EuroLeague Standings
Video: Not for the faint-hearted: Highlights from Zvezda's thrilling last-gasp victory