Vujas Outduels Trba as Dubai Wins Serbian Player Derby to Stay Unbeaten in EL

Serbia's NBA 2K national team captain Luka Vujasinović got the better of longtime rival and international teammate Ivan "Trba" Trbušković, guiding Dubai BC to a 67–55 victory in another chapter of one of European NBA 2K's most compelling rivalries.

October 10, 2026 | Cyber EuroLeague

Dubai BC continued its perfect start to the 2026–27 Cyber EuroLeague campaign with a hard-fought 67–55 victory over Crvena Zvezda Belgrade on Friday evening, October 9, in a highly anticipated all-Serbian showdown between two of Europe's most accomplished NBA 2K competitors.

Representing Dubai, Luka "Vujas" Vujasinović delivered another composed performance against Ivan "Trba" Trbušković, his Serbia national team colleague and one of his fiercest rivals on the virtual hardwood.

Vujas: "It was a great game like always when u play against a player like Trba. I started really well but than had an offensive slump. Luckly in the third quarter our defense stepped uo and we made a significant point difference that was enough to hold it for the W.

We are 3-0 now and i am very satisfied with the team, especially on defensive side, since we have been very good. Lot of games still to come."

The result improved Dubai's record to 3–0, placing it second in the standings behind Bayern Munich, while Crvena Zvezda suffered its first defeat of the campaign, dropping to 2–1 and sixth place.

Dubai strikes early, Zvezda responds

Vujasinović established control from the opening quarter, guiding Dubai to a 21–12 advantage through disciplined defense and effective perimeter shooting.

Dubai extended its lead to 33–22 at halftime, leaving Trbušković with adjustments to make against an opponent who knows his tactical tendencies exceptionally well.

The third quarter brought a response from Zvezda. Trbušković tightened his defense and found greater offensive rhythm, winning the period 16–9 and reducing the deficit to just four points, 42–38, entering the final quarter.

With the contest suddenly back in the balance, Vujasinović demonstrated the composure that has made him one of Serbia's most respected competitors.

Dubai responded with a decisive 25-point fourth quarter, outscoring Zvezda by eight in the period to secure the 67–55 victory.

Three-point shooting makes the difference

The clearest separation between the two teams came from beyond the arc.

Dubai connected on 10 of 24 three-point attempts (41.7%), doubling Zvezda's five successful triples. Trbušković's team struggled from long range, finishing 5-for-21 (23.8%).

Vujasinović also enjoyed an advantage in possession management and rebounding. Dubai committed only eight turnovers compared with Zvezda's 12 and collected 42 rebounds to its opponent's 32.

Interestingly, Zvezda controlled several areas closer to the basket, outscoring Dubai 36–22 in the paint and 16–5 in fast-break points.

Nevertheless, Dubai's outside shooting, defensive discipline and superior rebounding proved decisive.

More than opponents: A rivalry built on championship battles

What makes this matchup particularly special is the history shared by the two Serbian competitors.

Vujasinović and Trbušković are not merely rivals. They are teammates on Serbia's national NBA 2K team, where Vujasinović serves as captain.

Over several seasons, the pair have repeatedly crossed paths in the Cyber EuroLeague's biggest moments, including playoff series and championship finals.

Their rivalry reached another high point in May 2026, when Trbušković, representing Panathinaikos, defeated Vujasinović's Real Madrid 109–86 in the Cyber EuroLeague 2K26 Season 1 Final to claim the championship.

This latest encounter gave Vujasinović a measure of revenge, although both competitors know that regular-season victories and championship trophies carry different weight.

With an extensive history of high-pressure meetings, few players in the competition understand each other's strengths and weaknesses better.

Two elite competitors, two basketball careers

Beyond their achievements in competitive gaming, both Serbian stars have established important roles within basketball and esports.

Ivan "Trba" Trbušković works as an NBA 2K coach at ESportsBattle, combining competitive experience with the development of other players. A multiple-time Cyber EuroLeague champion, he has established himself as one of the most successful figures in European NBA 2K competition.

Luka "Vujas" Vujasinović, a former ESportsBattle competitor, has taken his basketball knowledge beyond the virtual court.

He is now involved in the professional basketball structure of Serbian club KK Mega, serving as a team manager within its youth basketball program. His involvement in real-world basketball adds another dimension to his understanding of tactics, player roles and team organization.

Their contrasting professional paths make their meetings especially intriguing: two basketball minds shaped by different environments, competing at the highest level of the European NBA 2K scene.

Dubai sends an early message to the competition

With three victories from three appearances, Dubai has positioned itself among the early contenders in the Cyber EuroLeague's 2026–27 season.

For Vujasinović, defeating a familiar opponent of Trbušković's caliber offers another indication that Dubai can challenge the competition's strongest teams.

For Trbušković, the defeat represents an early test rather than a defining setback. At 2–1, Crvena Zvezda remains firmly inside the playoff positions, with plenty of basketball still to be played.

The Serbian derby has produced another fascinating tactical encounter, and given the history between these two competitors, few would be surprised to see them meet again when the stakes are even higher.

For now, the captain has the upper hand. But the rivalry is far from finished.

Game facts

Dubai BC 67–55 Crvena Zvezda Belgrade

Cyber EuroLeague 2026–27 | Regular Season, Round 4

Quarter scores: 21–12, 12–10, 9–16, 25–17

Dubai BC: Luka Vujasinović (Serbia)

Crvena Zvezda: Ivan Trbušković (Serbia)

Records after the game: Dubai 3–0 (2nd); Crvena Zvezda 2–1 (6th)