Dubai Basketball is on the verge of making sporting history after securing a crucial 86-81 victory over Partizan Belgrade in Game 2 of the ABA League Finals. The win gives the UAE-based club a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five championship series and puts them just one victory away from lifting their first ABA League title.
The result came in front of a record-breaking crowd of more than 11,000 fans at Coca-Cola Arena, the largest attendance in the club’s history. The atmosphere highlighted the growing popularity of basketball in Dubai and showcased how quickly the city has embraced its newest professional sports team.
Historic Moment for Dubai Basketball
Reaching the ABA League Finals is already a remarkable achievement for Dubai Basketball. The club is competing in only its second season in the regional competition and has rapidly established itself as one of the league’s strongest teams.
After spending several months away from Dubai and playing home fixtures in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the team finally returned to Coca-Cola Arena for the biggest matches in its history. The homecoming has proven to be a major advantage, with fans turning out in huge numbers to support the club.
Record Crowd Creates Unforgettable Atmosphere
The Finals series has transformed Coca-Cola Arena into one of the most exciting sporting venues in the region. Nearly 9,500 spectators attended Game 1 before the attendance climbed beyond 11,000 for Game 2.
Head coach Aleksandar Sekulić praised the supporters after the victory, highlighting the energy from the stands as a key factor in helping the team recover from a difficult first half. The passionate crowd played a major role in lifting the players during crucial moments of the game.
How Dubai Defeated Partizan in Game 2
Partizan started strongly and finished the opening quarter with a 24-20 lead. The reigning champions looked confident early on and managed to control the tempo of the game.
Dubai Basketball gradually found their rhythm and battled back to level the score at 42-42 by halftime. The contest remained tightly balanced as both teams traded baskets and defensive stops.
The turning point arrived late in the third quarter when Dubai trailed 61-58. Key contributions from Mfiondu Kabengele, Aleksa Avramović, and Džanan Musa sparked a shift in momentum that energized both the team and the crowd.
Dubai carried that momentum into the final quarter and produced a decisive 9-0 run. One of the standout moments came when Musa finished an impressive play from behind the backboard, bringing thousands of fans to their feet and helping establish a double-digit lead.
Although Partizan mounted a late comeback attempt, Dubai remained composed and closed out the game to secure the important victory.
Star Performers Lead the Charge
Aleksa Avramović and Džanan Musa both finished with 16 points and were instrumental in Dubai’s offensive success. Their experience and composure proved vital in the closing stages of the contest.
Mfiondu Kabengele once again delivered an influential performance, adding 13 points while making a significant impact on both ends of the floor. His consistency throughout the playoffs has been one of the major reasons behind Dubai’s impressive run.
The team’s balanced approach has become a defining characteristic throughout the season, with different players stepping up whenever required.
Also Read: Dubai Announces June 15 Holiday for Islamic New Year 2026; Residents to Enjoy Long Weekend
Strong Start to the Finals Series
Dubai Basketball entered the Finals with momentum after defeating Budućnost in the semifinals. They continued that form in Game 1 by beating Partizan 99-93 in front of nearly 9,500 home fans.
That opening victory allowed the club to protect home-court advantage and put immediate pressure on the defending champions. Combined with the Game 2 success, Dubai now holds a 2-0 advantage in the series.
Attention Turns to Belgrade
The Finals series now shifts to Belgrade, where Game 3 will take place on June 10. Dubai Basketball will have their first opportunity to secure the ABA League championship and complete one of the most remarkable achievements in UAE basketball history.
Partizan, meanwhile, will look to use home support to keep the series alive and force a fourth game. As the reigning ABA League champions, the Serbian club still possesses the experience and quality needed to mount a comeback.
For Dubai Basketball, however, the dream of lifting a first ABA League trophy is now closer than ever, with one more victory standing between the club and sporting history.