Zvezda's Third Déjà Vu and the Jared Butler Problem

The long-awaited derby went to the black-and-whites, who celebrated their second victory of the season against their rivals, significantly diminishing Zvezda's chances of making the EuroLeague Play-In.

A tense and chaotic derby, marred by scenes we don't want to see in games between our two biggest clubs, went Partizan's way. They capitalized on their lack of pressure and Zvezda's high stakes to delight their fans.

While the victory might not be monumental in terms of standings, it once again highlighted two things: Partizan is currently in the best form in Europe, while Crvena zvezda is among the worst, at the very moment they can least afford it.

After the first few games, it was clear to everyone that Jared Butler would be a major signing. And he proved to be just that.

The American has played countless brilliant games and, as Saša Obradović confirmed at the press conference, single-handedly won some matches for Zvezda. However, he went cold when it mattered most. He was poor against Barcelona, even worse against Partizan, and his missed shot in the final moments ultimately doomed the home team, which was on the verge of a historic comeback.

Admittedly, teams are now preparing more for Butler; opponents have shut down several of his signature moves. But it's clear this isn't the same Butler from the start of the calendar year. Zvezda couldn't afford this, as the former Phoenix player is their most potent offensive weapon and the catalyst for many of their good plays.

Fatigue, better defense, a drop in form – pick your reason. What's clear is that Butler hasn't been himself lately. His clutch points that used to break opponents in the final minutes are gone, and Zvezda is feeling the consequences.

As is often the case, when results are poor, all eyes turn to the coach.

Saša Obradović managed to turn Crvena zvezda's season around, bringing the team into contention for the EuroLeague playoffs after a dreadful start. But fans are right to ask – could the coach have managed the end of recent games better?

Somewhat unusually, especially for such a big game, Saša Obradović decided to use all 12 players in his rotation by the 13th minute. This can be beneficial, but it can also backfire, causing some players to sit on the bench for too long and lose their rhythm. This might explain the poor performance of Chima Moneke, a player who, by his own words, lives for these kinds of games, yet only took one shot against Partizan.

On top of that, Obradović "took home" a timeout, meaning he had one left to call in the final moments when his players could have used it, but he didn't. Fans are also questioning the limited minutes for Jasiel Rivero, who started the game strong, and the situation with Stefan Miljenović, who only now, after a long time, got a chance on the biggest stage. And he's a player who has previously managed to shut down Kendrick Nunn.

There are many questions surrounding Zvezda and numerous topics for discussion, but their biggest problem is time, which is running out. With only three games left in the regular season, and with Dubai and Maccabi breathing down their necks, Obradović must urgently find a winning formula if this team is to secure even a play-in spot.

For the third time in two months, Zvezda let a must-win game slip away. Not only that, but at the start of the fourth quarter, they appeared completely lethargic and uninspired on the court – as if their opponent wasn't their biggest rival and the game didn't decide the fate of their season.

After Maccabi and Bayern, the same thing happened to Crvena zvezda for a third time. True, it's not easy to play under pressure when you're hosting a team with nothing to lose. However, the same mistake shouldn't happen three times.

For months, numerous Zvezda players have spoken of great ambitions, the team's quality, and its character... However, certain moments in the game against Partizan raise a clear question – was that true, or just empty words?

Things won't get any easier for Zvezda when a fired-up and high-scoring Paris team, led by a 28-year-old coach, comes to the Arena. The red-and-whites must, by any means necessary, prevent the same scenario from repeating a fourth time.

VIDEO: Watch the spectacular choreography by Crvena zvezda fans: The entire Arena is red and white