By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Partizan is riding a hot streak, and the next challenge brings the biggest test — a Belgrade derby against Crvena zvezda.
Despite falling out of play-in contention, the black-and-whites secured their fifth consecutive win by defeating Valencia in a double-overtime thriller, with Carlik Jones once again playing a key role as Partizan emerged as the form team in the EuroLeague.
Looking ahead, Jones and his teammates will host their arch-rivals, aiming not only to extend their streak but also to respond after last week’s ABA League loss.
“We are very motivated because we lost the last derby against them, and since they are a team that really needs a win against us, we would love more than anything to stop them from advancing,” Jones said, underlining his desire to derail Crvena zvezda’s playoff push.
Partizan may be out of the postseason race, but the approach remains unchanged.
“So we have to approach the game with high energy and togetherness to try to get the win. Call us whatever you want, but we are here to compete, and we will not make it easy for anyone. Personally, I take pride in beating teams that need wins right now, because our job is to go out and play the game we all love,” Jones added.