McKinley Wright IV drains the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer to send Budućnost VOLI to the Finals

2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Semifinals Round 3, Sunday, 1 June, 2025:

BUDUĆNOST VOLI – Crvena zvezda Meridianbet 81:78 (22:25, 21:19, 20:16, 18:18)

PHOTO GALLERY

Game recap: In one of the most thrilling finishes of the 2024/25 ABA League Playoffs, Budućnost VOLI secured a dramatic 81:78 win over Crvena zvezda Meridianbet in Game 3 of the semi-final series, booking their ticket to the Finals. The match was a true classic from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, with both teams battling for every possession and exchanging the lead throughout all four quarters.

Tensions ran high in Morača Sports Hall as both squads brought playoff-level intensity. Neither side managed to pull away significantly, and the score remained tight deep into the final period. It all came down to the last possession — and to the man of the moment.

Key moments: With 30 seconds left on the clock, Budućnost VOLI held a 78:76 lead before Ognjen Dobrić silenced the home crowd by sinking a lay-up to tie the game at 78:78. Budućnost VOLI immediately called for a timeout to set up the final play.

Coming out of the timeout, all eyes were on regular season MVP McKinley Wright IV. With ice in his veins, Wright took the ball coast to coast and, with the clock ticking down, pulled up for a contested three-pointer at the buzzer. The shot went in — nothing but net — triggering a wild celebration as Budućnost VOLI claimed the series and advanced to the Finals in the most dramatic way possible.

Man of the match: There was no debate about the hero of the night. McKinley Wright IV delivered another clutch performance, finishing the game with 28 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and an index rating of 27. But beyond the stats, it was that final shot that defined his night — and the series.

Can’t trick the stats: At the end of the day, that one shot made all the difference. None other stats mattered more than that 3-pointer made by McKinley Wright IV.