DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Davis Bertans delivered the most statistically significant performance of his EuroLeague season, but it came in a losing effort as Dubai Basketball’s season concluded with a 92-84 defeat to Valencia Basket on Wednesday night.
The Latvian forward finished with 22 points, five three-pointers, and six rebounds in what amounted to a final showcase before the team’s exit from EuroLeague competition. Despite his efficiency — shooting 7-of-12 from the field and 5-of-8 from beyond the arc — Dubai could not overcome a slow start and inconsistent defense against a Valencia side that clinched a playoff berth with the victory.
The loss marked the complete of Dubai’s inaugural EuroLeague season, a campaign that began with high expectations but was reshaped by a coaching change in January. Head coach Aleksandar Đorđević was replaced by assistant coach Nenad Marković after a 3-8 start, a move intended to spark a turnaround that ultimately did not materialize in the standings.
“We gave it everything we had tonight,” Bertans said in his postgame remarks, captured by the team’s official broadcast. “It’s disappointing to end this way, but I’m proud of how we competed. Playing in this league has been a privilege, and I’ll take the lessons forward.”
Valencia, led by 18 points from Brandon Davies and 15 from Jean Montero, controlled the tempo after taking a 10-point lead early in the second quarter. Dubai fought back to within four points with under three minutes remaining, but turnovers in the final possession sequence sealed their fate.
The result leaves Dubai with a 5-28 record, last in the EuroLeague standings. Valencia improved to 16-17 and secured the eighth and final playoff spot, avoiding the play-in tournament.
For Bertans, the season was a mix of individual promise and team struggle. A two-time NBA three-point champion and former All-Star, he averaged 11.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in EuroLeague play, shooting 38.1% from three-point range — numbers that reflect his role as a primary offensive option despite limited supporting consistency.
His performance against Valencia represented his highest scoring output since a 26-point effort against Maccabi Tel Aviv in December. Over the last five games, Bertans averaged 16.2 points while maintaining his 40%+ clip from deep, suggesting a late-season rhythm that arrived too late to alter Dubai’s trajectory.
The club’s ownership, led by chairman Mohamed Alabbar, has not yet announced plans for the roster or coaching staff moving forward. EuroLeague participation for next season remains uncertain, as the league evaluates expansion and re-entry criteria for teams that fail to meet competitive or financial benchmarks.
Dubai’s journey in Europe’s premier basketball competition was always going to be a test of adaptation. Playing home games at the Coca-Cola Arena — a venue primarily designed for concerts and entertainment — the team faced unique challenges, including travel demands and scheduling conflicts with other events in the bustling Downtown Dubai district.
Still, the experience provided exposure for Emirati basketball and marked a milestone for Gulf region representation in EuroLeague. Youth clinics and community outreach programs tied to the team’s presence drew thousands of local participants, according to club officials.
Looking ahead, Bertans is expected to return to the NBA or pursue opportunities in other European leagues. At 32, he remains a sought-after shooter capable of spacing floors for contending teams, particularly those needing veteran leadership and perimeter firepower.
Dubai Basketball will now shift focus to domestic and regional competitions, including the UAE National Basketball League and the West Asia Super League (WASL), where they aim to build on the foundation laid during their EuroLeague stint.
The final game served as a reminder that while individual brilliance can shine, sustained success in elite basketball requires cohesion, depth, and stability — elements that remained elusive for Dubai throughout their maiden EuroLeague campaign.
For fans who followed the journey, the season may not have ended in victory, but it offered moments of resilience and standout performances that will not be forgotten.
Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on Davis Bertans’ next move and the future of basketball in Dubai.
