Partizan from minus 16 to victory over Red Star!; Ocokoljić spoke about the "burning" issue

Washington spoke Serbian and revealed a key detail of the “Eternal Derby”! VIDEO

The American guard took responsibility and scored 25 points, including 11 in the decisive final quarter.

“I’m very grateful that we won. We really, really needed this, and we all know what it means. We know what the derby is, and it’s important that we won it at home. A day off tomorrow, then we move on,” Washington said after the game.

Asked what was going through his mind in the final quarter, in which he scored 11 points, he added:

“Mitar (Bošnjaković, ed. note), our young guy off the bench, is always telling me, ‘Come on, Wash.’ I managed to get the ball through the hoop at the right moments and find my rhythm — and in the end, to close out the game.”

Coach Ocokoljić said after the game that it’s better to win like this than by 20 points. Do you agree?

"No, not really! I would have loved an easier win, but the way we fought and came back — it’s an incredible feeling. We’ll celebrate and enjoy tonight, but after that, we turn our focus to the next games."

Washington revealed a decisive detail of the derby, with Isaac Bonga taking the lead — gathering his teammates and saying something important to them.

"Bonga gathered us, looked us in the eyes, and reminded us to get back to our old game. We are a different team when we play the way we can. We became more active on defense, transitioned quickly. He brought us together and turned the page. We trusted each other, trusted the coach, and the fans tonight were incredible."

Speculations from Greece about his transfer to Olympiakos?

"Yes, I heard the news just like you did, on Instagram. I'm happy here. Excited to continue the season. That was news to me."

How did he handle everything happening in and around the club in recent weeks?

"We play basketball for life; it's my job. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be in Serbia and keep playing. I’ve learned a lot about the culture here. I know it’s been a very tough time for everyone; I felt that pain. But now we’re in a better place, moving forward, and there are still plenty of games left. We’re not where we wanted to be, but we have to keep going."

Is he learning Serbian?

"I know a little," Dwayne said in Serbian.

Srđan Stevanović/Starsport

Could this victory be a turning point in the season for Partizan?

"Last year we turned the season around against Red Star. I know it means a lot to everyone, and we’ll try to use this energy and this win moving forward," concluded Partizan’s hero.