Brian Windhorst offered 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 been a long-standing goal tied to his broader coverage of international basketball. “Someday I wanted to get to Belgrade for the eternal derby, and it just so happened that it fell into a spot where I could go,” he said, noting that he spent only 16 hours in the city.
The ESPN insider emphasized that preparation is essential for fans considering the trip. “I would say it should be a destination, but you should prepare yourself what you’re getting into,” Windhorst said, pointing to the scale and intensity of the occasion.
He described Belgrade as vibrant and active on game day, particularly in the city center during the holiday season. Windhorst compared the city’s atmosphere favorably to major U.S. 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 recalled the smaller venue as “charming” and relayed stories from veteran scouts about the conditions when Partizan once played there.
The main event took place at the Belgrade Arena, which Windhorst described as “a big giant beautiful modern arena” with NBA-level standards. He noted that fans were already in full voice nearly an hour before tipoff, creating a deafening environment well ahead of the opening possession.
Windhorst detailed the unique supporter dynamics, with Crvena Zvezda fans entering the arena in organized fashion while riot police lined the walkways. He stressed that despite fireworks, flares, and heavy security presence, “I never once for one second felt unsafe.”
One element that stood out was the coordinated whistling used by Partizan supporters to disrupt opposing players. Windhorst likened the sound to “jet engine level,” explaining it was designed to apply constant pressure during key moments.
On the court, the game delivered a dramatic finish. Partizan completed a comeback from a 16-point deficit to win 79–76, led by Duane Washington Jr., who scored 25 points. Windhorst highlighted the referees’ control, saying, “If you can officiate a Partizan–Red Star game, 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 attended. He said it ranked behind Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals and the 2024 Olympic gold medal game but stood apart due to fan intensity and atmosphere.
“For the environment created by the fans, number one,” Windhorst said, summarizing why the Belgrade derby left a lasting impression.
