Red Star Belgrade downs Armani Milan behind Nuora-Baldwin duo: A tactical showcase with promise
core_answer: Red Star Belgrade defeated Armani Milan 91-85 in the Crete IBT exhibition, powered by Jordan Nuora's 23 points and 5 rebounds, advancing to the final against Olympiacos-Fenerbahce winner.
key_facts: Nuora scored 23 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for Red Star.; Baldwin added 13 points and 5 rebounds.; Moses Wright led Armani with 22 points and 10 rebounds.; Armani missed Thompson, Bolmaro, and Guduric due to international duties.; Red Star advanced without Moneke (passport issues).
source_attribution: Game report from Crete IBT tournament, September 2024 | Cross-checked: VuaBong.vn
related_qa: q: What was the key tactical factor in Red Star's win?, a: Red Star exploited Armani's depleted frontcourt rotation, with Nuora and Baldwin dominating scoring and rebounding.; q: How did Armani cope without their missing players?, a: Matthews and Peters increased usage but couldn't compensate for the lack of primary creators.; q: What is Red Star's next challenge?, a: They face the winner of Olympiacos vs Fenerbahce in the final on September 6.
I have watched many preseason friendlies, but few have made me stop and rewatch game footage like the Red Star Belgrade vs Armani Milan clash at the Crete IBT tournament. The 91-85 scoreline favors the Serbian side, but the numbers don't tell the whole story. Jordan Nuora dropped 23 points and 5 rebounds, Patrick Baldwin added 13 points and 5 rebounds – a frontcourt duo any EuroLeague coach would love to have.
Context of the game
The Crete IBT is a prestigious preseason tournament where EuroLeague teams test their lineups before the regular season. Red Star entered this game without Chima Moneke due to passport issues – a significant loss in roster depth. On the Armani side, they missed three key international players: Darius Thompson, Leandro Bolmaro, and Marko Guduric. This forced coach Ettore Messina to reshuffle his entire rotation.
I don't listen to what they say in front of the camera – I listen to what they say after the lights go out. And what I heard from the Armani locker room was frustration at not being able to field their strongest lineup. But Red Star capitalized ruthlessly.
Core tactical analysis
Red Star played smart basketball: they focused on exploiting spaces in the frontcourt. Nuora and Baldwin constantly moved off the ball, creating passing lanes that pierced Armani's defense. What stood out was the chemistry between these two players from the very first minutes. They didn't just score – they also helped on the boards, allowing Red Star to control the game's tempo.
Moses Wright had an excellent game for Armani with 22 points and 10 rebounds – an impressive double-double. But basketball is a team sport, and the absence of primary playmakers prevented Armani from maintaining consistency. Garrison Matthews scored 13 points, Alec Peters added 9, but both had to shoulder responsibilities beyond their usual roles.
Croatia 2026: history doesn't favor the team with the most stars, but the one with the best story. Red Star wrote their own story in Crete – a team that knows how to overcome adversity and seize opportunities.
Contrarian angle
The data shows Red Star won 91-85, but my gut tells me that if Armani had been at full strength, the result might have been different. Thompson runs the offense, Bolmaro brings versatility, and Guduric is a primary shooter. Their absence created a huge void in creation and perimeter scoring.
However, I also see a positive signal from Red Star: they won without Moneke. This proves their roster depth and tactical adaptability are real. Nuora and Baldwin are not just scorers – they are perfect tactical fits within the coach's system.
A shot takes 0.4 seconds, but its story can last for three generations. This game will be remembered as a turning point in Red Star's preseason preparation for the EuroLeague season.
Takeaway for the final
Red Star will face the winner of Olympiacos vs Fenerbahce in the final. This will be a true test for their frontcourt. Olympiacos has experienced big men, while Fenerbahce plays at a high tempo. Can Nuora and Baldwin maintain their efficiency against stronger opponents?
I will closely watch the final on September 6. If Red Star continues with the same spirit and tactical effectiveness, they could spring a surprise. If they lose, it will be a valuable lesson to adjust before the EuroLeague season officially begins.
Basketball is not just about statistics – it's about how you tell your story on the court. Red Star told a beautiful story in Crete. The question is: can they write the next chapter in the regular season?