Brian Windhorst supplied an in depth account of his first expertise attending the Partizan–Crvena Zvezda derby, describing it as one of the crucial intense basketball environments he has witnessed. He shared his reflections on the Fullcourt Podcast, co-hosted by Ric Bucher and Bostjan Nachbar.
Windhorst defined that attending the Belgrade derby had been a long-standing aim tied to his broader protection of worldwide basketball. “Sometime I needed to get to Belgrade for the everlasting derby, and it simply so occurred that it fell right into a spot the place I may go,” he mentioned, noting that he spent solely 16 hours within the metropolis.
The ESPN insider emphasised that preparation is important for followers contemplating the journey. “I’d say it needs to be a vacation spot, however you must put together your self what you’re stepping into,” Windhorst mentioned, pointing to the dimensions and depth of the event.
He described Belgrade as vibrant and lively on recreation day, notably within the metropolis middle in the course of the vacation season. Windhorst in contrast the town’s ambiance favorably to main U.S. cities, noting the combo of historical past, nightlife, and basketball tradition surrounding the occasion.
Earlier than the derby, Windhorst attended a recreation involving Mega Basket, a membership identified for growing NBA expertise, together with Nikola Jokic. He recalled the smaller venue as “charming” and relayed tales from veteran scouts concerning the situations when Partizan as soon as performed there.
The principle occasion came about on the Belgrade Enviornment, which Windhorst described as “a giant big lovely fashionable enviornment” with NBA-level requirements. He famous that followers have been already in full voice practically an hour earlier than tipoff, making a deafening surroundings effectively forward of the opening possession.
Windhorst detailed the distinctive supporter dynamics, with Crvena Zvezda followers getting into the world in organized trend whereas riot police lined the walkways. He careworn that regardless of fireworks, flares, and heavy safety presence, “I by no means as soon as for one second felt unsafe.”
One component that stood out was the coordinated whistling utilized by Partizan supporters to disrupt opposing gamers. Windhorst likened the sound to “jet engine stage,” explaining it was designed to use fixed stress throughout key moments.
On the court docket, the sport delivered a dramatic end. Partizan accomplished a comeback from a 16-point deficit to win 79–76, led by Duane Washington Jr., who scored 25 factors. Windhorst highlighted the referees’ management, saying, “When you can officiate a Partizan–Pink Star recreation, you possibly can officiate wherever on the earth.”
When requested to rank the expertise, Windhorst positioned the derby among the many high three basketball occasions he has attended. He mentioned it ranked behind Sport 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals and the 2024 Olympic gold medal recreation however stood aside because of fan depth and ambiance.
“For the surroundings created by the followers, primary,” Windhorst mentioned, summarizing why the Belgrade derby left a long-lasting impression.
