Brian Windhorst gave a detailed account of his first experience attending the Partizan-Crvena Zvezda derby, describing it as one of the most intense basketball environments he has witnessed. He shared his reflections on the Fullcourt Podcast, co-hosted by Ric Bucher and Bostjan Nachbar.
Windhorst explained that attending the Belgrade derby had long been a goal linked to his broader coverage of international basketball. “One day I wanted to go to Belgrade for the eternal derby, and it just so happened that it ended up in a place where I could go,” he said, noting that he spent only 16 hours in the city.
The ESPN insider emphasized that preparation is key for fans considering the trip. “I would say it has to be a destination, but you have to prepare yourself for what you’re getting into,” Windhorst said, noting the size and intensity of the occasion.
He described Belgrade as lively and active on game day, especially in the city center during the holidays. Windhorst compared the city’s atmosphere favorably to that of major American cities, noting the mix of history, nightlife and basketball culture surrounding the event.
Before the derby, Windhorst attended a game involving Mega Basket, a club known for developing NBA talent, including Nikola Jokic. He remembered the smaller venue as ‘charming’ and told stories from experienced scouts about the conditions in which Partizan once played there.
The main event took place at the Belgrade Arena, which Windhorst described as “a big gigantic, beautiful modern arena” with NBA-level standards. He noted that the fans were in full voice almost an hour before tip-off, creating a deafening environment well before the opening possession.
Windhorst described the unique fan dynamic, with Crvena Zvezda fans entering the arena in an organized manner while riot police lined the walkways. He emphasized that despite fireworks, torches and heavy security, “I never felt unsafe for a second.”
One element that stood out was the coordinated whistling used by Partizan supporters to disrupt opponents. Windhorst compared the sound to a “jet engine level” and explained that it was designed to apply constant pressure during key moments.
On the field the match had a dramatic ending. Partizan completed a comeback from a 16-point deficit to win 79-76, led by Duane Washington Jr., who scored 25 points. Windhorst emphasized the control of the referees, saying: “If you can officiate a Partizan-Red Star match, you can officiate anywhere in the world.”
When asked to rank the experience, Windhorst placed the derby among the top three basketball events he has participated in. He said it was behind Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals and the 2024 Olympic gold medal game, but stood out because of the intensity of the fans and the atmosphere.
“For the environment created by the fans, number one,” said Windhorst, summarizing why the Belgrade derby left a lasting impression.
#Brian #Windhorst #describes #intensity #atmosphere #PartizanCrvena #Zvezda #derby #TalkBasket.net