Crvena Zvezda look dangerous but they must figure out one thing / News - Basketnews.com

Augustas Suliauskas takes a look at the early Crvena Zvezda struggles, explaining what the Serbian powerhouse could improve to become a serious force in the EuroLeague.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic

Despite winning only once in the first four EuroLeague games, the completely revamped Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade roster has looked dangerous.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade / Schedule

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade AS Monaco76-82 Virtus Segafredo Bologna Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade85-79 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet BelgradeThu18:30

Advanced statistics prove it. Even though it's super early to look at them due to the small sample size of matches, the difference is so huge that it can't go unmentioned.

According to bballytics.com, through the first three quarters, Dusko Ivanovic's squad has the 8th-best offense and the 9th-best defense, scoring 116 & allowing 111 points per 100 possessions. That's a 5-point advantage over their opponents.

But something happens in the most important 10 minutes of every basketball match. In the 4th quarter, both offense and defense, Crvena Zvezda suffer a dramatic blow. Their offensive rating drops to 111 (good for only 11th-best), while their defense becomes the 3rd worst in all Euroleague (defensive rating of 126, 16th-best).

What are the reasons behind this sudden change? Let's take a look at that, as well as other early impressions about Crvena Zvezda.

The 4th quarter dilemma

In Kaunas, it was an 18-3 run for the hosts to overcome Crvena Zvezda, who had control in their hands for the majority of the match. In Belgrade, Monaco won the last 5 minutes 16-6, also snatching the victory from Dusko and company.

On Friday in Bologna, there was also a stretch to start the 4th quarter where the Serbian side had only 4 points in 5 minutes.

But there is one reason why I think the red-and-white fans should not worry too much about this.

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