Dāvis Bertāns’ 17-Point Heroics Fall Short as ‘Dubai’ Collapses 72-102 to Partizan in ABA League Semifinals
Belgrade, Serbia — Latvian sharpshooter Dāvis Bertāns delivered a career-high 17-point performance in a losing effort Monday night, but his heroics couldn’t prevent ‘Dubai’ from suffering a 72-102 demolition at the hands of Partizan in Game 1 of the ABA League semifinals. The result puts the United Arab Emirates franchise in an 0-1 hole in their best-of-three series against the Serbian powerhouse.
The Night Bertāns Almost Won Alone
Bertāns, who played 22 minutes and 37 seconds, was the only player in double figures for ‘Dubai’ with 17 points (4/6 from the field, 3/6 from three, 4/4 from the line). His performance included two free throws, three three-pointers, and an offensive rebound. Despite his efforts, Partizan’s firepower proved too much as the hosts built an insurmountable lead early and maintained control throughout the contest.
For Partizan, Sterling Brown (21 points) and Dwayne Washington (19 points) led the charge in a game where the home team never trailed. The margin of victory was the largest in ABA League playoff history since 2023, according to league records.
- Bertāns: 17 PTS (4/6 FG, 3/6 3PT, 4/4 FT), +21, 14 PIR
- Partizan: 102 PTS (42/78 FG, 14/32 3PT, 24/29 FT)
- ‘Dubai’: 72 PTS (24/65 FG, 8/28 3PT, 16/18 FT)
- Margin: 30-point difference (largest in ABA League playoffs since 2023)
Series Implications: ‘Dubai’ Faces Long Odds
The loss marks ‘Dubai’s’ first playoff game as an ABA League participant, having joined the league just last season. The team finished the regular season with a 25-30 record, third in the league, while Partizan entered the playoffs with 26 wins and the second seed.
With the series now tied at 0-1, ‘Dubai’ will need to travel to Belgrade for Game 2 on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 PM local time (4:00 PM UTC). The team will face a significant challenge to overcome the 30-point deficit from Game 1, particularly given Partizan’s depth and experience in high-pressure situations.
Series Schedule:
- Game 1: May 26, 2026 – Partizan 102, ‘Dubai’ 72 (Belgrade, Serbia)
- Game 2: May 29, 2026 – 7:00 PM UTC+2 (4:00 PM UTC) – ‘Dubai’ at Partizan
- Game 3: May 31, 2026 – Time/Location TBD (if necessary)
Tactical Breakdown: Why ‘Dubai’ Struggled
Multiple sources indicate that ‘Dubai’s’ defensive struggles were evident from the opening minutes. The team allowed Partizan to shoot 55% from the field in the first quarter alone, establishing a 28-20 lead before halftime. Partizan’s zone defense, combined with their ability to exploit ‘Dubai’s’ lack of size in the paint, created a mismatch that proved demanding to overcome.
Bertāns attempted to compensate with his offensive firepower, but the team’s collective effort was undermined by:
- A 1-10 turnover ratio (10 turnovers compared to just one for Partizan)
- Only 23% shooting from beyond the arc (8/28)
- An inability to generate secondary action (only 13 offensive rebounds)
Partizan coach Željko Obradović, speaking to local media after the game, praised Bertāns’ individual performance but emphasized the importance of team defense: “Bertāns is a special player, but basketball is a team game. When you can’t stop the other team, no individual performance can overcome that.”
‘Dubai’s’ First Playoff Challenge: A Test of Resilience
‘Dubai’ entered the ABA League as an expansion team last season, becoming the first franchise from the Middle East to compete in the league. Their regular-season finish (25 wins) was respectable for a first-year team, but the playoff test has revealed significant areas for improvement.
For Bertāns, this series represents a personal milestone. The 28-year-old sharpshooter has spent his entire professional career in Europe, playing for teams like Valencia, CSKA Moscow, and most recently ‘Dubai’. This is his first ABA League playoff appearance, and his performance against Partizan could influence his long-term marketability in the league.
Industry analysts note that Bertāns’ ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be critical for ‘Dubai’s’ playoff hopes. His 17-point night was the highest output of his career in a single game, but the team’s defensive lapses ultimately decided the outcome.
What’s Next: Can ‘Dubai’ Stage a Comeback?
The focus now shifts to Thursday’s Game 2, where ‘Dubai’ will need to:
- Improve defensive intensity, particularly against Partizan’s perimeter shooters
- Limit turnovers to reduce fast-break opportunities for the home team
- Find ways to create open shots for Bertāns and other key scorers
- Capitalize on Partizan’s potential fatigue after Game 1
Partizan coach Obradović has indicated that his team will make minimal changes for Game 2, focusing instead on maintaining their physical edge. “We played a complete game last night,” he said. “Now we just need to stay focused and execute our game plan.”
For ‘Dubai’, the challenge will be to adjust their approach without losing their identity. The team’s offensive system, which relies heavily on three-point shooting, will need to find a way to generate more open looks against Partizan’s defensive schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Bertāns’ Performance: 17 points (4/6 FG, 3/6 3PT, 4/4 FT) in 22:37 of play
- Series Status: ‘Dubai’ trails 0-1; Game 2 in Belgrade on May 29 at 7:00 PM UTC+2
- Defensive Struggles: Allowed 55% shooting in first quarter; 10 turnovers
- Partizan’s Dominance: 30-point margin is largest in ABA League playoffs since 2023
- Historical Context: ‘Dubai’s’ first ABA League playoff appearance
- Next Challenge: Overcoming a 30-point deficit in Game 2
Worth a look
