CSKA will face UNICS in the Finals series up to 4 wins.
Schedule
Game 1. June 2, 19:30 (Moscow Time), Moscow, Megasport
Game 2. June 4, 19:30 (Moscow Time), Moscow, Megasport
Game 3. June 8, 19:30 (Moscow Time), Kazan, Basket Hall
Game 4. June 10, 19:30 (Moscow Time), Kazan, Basket Hall
Game 5. June 13, 16:30 (Moscow Time), Moscow, Megasport*
Game 6. June 16, 19:00 (Moscow Time), Kazan, Basket Hall*
Game 7. June 19, 19:00 (Moscow Time), Moscow, Megasport*
- – if necessary
Regular Season
CSKA: 1st place (37 wins, 3 losses)
UNICS: 2nd place (33 wins, 7 losses)
Season Rivalry
The teams split their regular season series, 2-2. Notably, every game was won by the home team.
The first game between the teams took place on October 25 in Moscow. The decisive stretch came early in the third quarter, when CSKA capitalized on several UNICS mistakes and built a comfortable lead. The Kazan team mounted a comeback attempt, but Melo Trimble took control in the crucial moments. The American guard knocked down several key shots to settle the game and secure CSKA’s first win over UNICS this season – 86:75.
UNICS responded on November 15. The game turned into a duel between Kazan’s twin towers Marcus Bingham and Jalen Reynolds, who combined for 46 points, and Melo Trimble, who finished with 33. The result was decided in a dramatic finish that featured clutch free throws by Alexey Shved, a costly turnover by Bingham and a missed potential game-winner from Tonye Jekiri. In the battle of nerves, UNICS held on for a narrow 76:75 win.
The third clash, held on February 1 in Moscow, lived up to its billing as the biggest game of the winter. UNICS dominated the opening stages and, after back-to-back three-pointers by Reynolds early in the third quarter, extended the lead to 17 points – 56:39. As has often been the case, Trimble spearheaded the comeback, finishing with 34 points. Inspired by their leader, CSKA completely changed the momentum, erased the deficit early in the fourth quarter and eventually prevailed in the closing minutes – 84:80.
The fourth game followed a similar script. On March 15 in Kazan, the hosts built a sizeable advantage in the third quarter, leading 69:52. CSKA fought back, but this time UNICS kept its composure down the stretch. Three-pointers from Ty Brewer, Dmitry Kulagin and Paris Lee helped the Kazan team secure an 86:80 win. The game was also memorable for the outstanding performance of Ruslan Abdulbasirov. Filling in for the absent Reynolds, the Russian forward made the most of his opportunity, posting 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a performance index rating of 32.
Why can CSKA win?
CSKA confidently closed out its semifinal series against Lokomotiv Kuban in five games, once again confirming its status as the strongest team in the League. The Moscow team is now one step away from the title, although the final hurdle may prove to be the toughest one. UNICS has been arguably CSKA’s most challenging opponent this season.
To succeed in the Finals, the Moscow team should not adapt to their opponent’s style, but rather impose their own. Half-court basketball plays to CSKA’s strengths. The individual talent of Melo Trimble and Casper Ware, pick-and-roll chemistry with Livio Jean-Charles and a deep collection of perimeter shooters are the key weapons that could bring the title back to Moscow.
Special attention should be paid to Trimble. UNICS has brought out the very best in the CSKA leader this season. In 4 games against the Kazan team, he scored 102 points, averaging 25.5 per game. For comparison, his season average stands at 18.6 points.
Freshness may also become a significant factor. CSKA played two fewer games in the Semifinals and completed its series five days earlier. The Moscow team is unlikely to have lost its rhythm, but it certainly gained valuable time for recovery and preparation.
Home-court advantage should not be overlooked either. All four regular season games were won by the home team, making this factor particularly important heading into the Finals.
Why can UNICS win?
UNICS showed tremendous character in the Semifinals, overcoming a 1-3 deficit against Zenit. The Kazan team enters the Finals full of confidence and riding a wave of momentum. In playoff basketball, psychological factors often play a decisive role, and UNICS has already proven its resilience.
Defense has been the foundation of the team’s success throughout the postseason. UNICS managed to slow down Zenit’s offense and now faces a similar challenge against CSKA. There are certain similarities between the playing styles of the Moscow and St. Petersburg teams. Both rely heavily on the individual skill of their guards and frequently shoot from beyond the arc. The lessons learned in the Zenit series should help UNICS prepare for the Finals.
The Kazan team also boasts several key players capable of deciding the result of the series. The frontcourt tandem of Marcus Bingham and Jalen Reynolds has caused plenty of problems for CSKA this season, and it remains to be seen whether the Moscow coaching staff can find an answer. Experienced veterans Alexey Shved and Dmitry Kulagin will also have important roles to play. However, special attention should be paid to Paris Lee.
The American guard endured an inconsistent regular season, but in the decisive games against Zenit he finally delivered the performances many had been waiting for. If Lee maintains that level, he could become one of the key figures in UNICS’ pursuit of a second VTB League title.
X-Factor
The three-point battle could be decisive in this series. CSKA remains the best three-point shooting team of the Playoffs, averaging 12.1 made triples on 30.4 attempts per game. The Moscow team also ranks second in three-point percentage at 39.9%.
UNICS’ numbers are more modest: 9.2 made three-pointers on 27.6 attempts, shooting 33.3%.
For the Kazan team, perimeter defense will be crucial. Beginning with Game 5 of the Zenit series, UNICS successfully neutralized one of the League’s most dangerous groups of shooters, and that adjustment became the turning point of the matchup. Now the same task awaits against CSKA’s perimeter offense.
Facts
Both teams have already won the VTB United League title.
CSKA: 12 titles (2010, 2012-2019, 2021, 2024, 2025), 2 silver medals (2011, 2022), 1 bronze medal (2023).
UNICS: 1 title (2023), 5 silver medals (2010, 2012, 2016, 2021, 2024), 5 bronze medals (2011, 2014, 2019, 2022, 2025).
The regular season champion has reached the Finals 9 times in the last 11 seasons (since the League abandoned the group format in 2015).
The regular season runner-up has reached the Finals 6 times in the last 11 seasons.
The regular season winner has not gone on to win the VTB League title in any of the last five seasons.
CSKA has nine players remaining from last season’s championship roster.
UNICS has two players who were part of the club’s title-winning team in 2023: Jalen Reynolds and Mikhail Kulagin.
Ivan Ukhov and Samson Ruzhentsev have appeared in every game for CSKA this season, playing all 48 contests.
Marcus Bingham has played in all 50 games for UNICS.
Zenit forward Andrey Vorontsevich currently leads the League in games played this season with 51.
Melo Trimble is the leading scorer of the Playoffs, averaging 20.1 points per game.
Casper Ware ranks sixth with 15.3 points per game.
UNICS centers Jalen Reynolds (16.9) and Marcus Bingham (14.6) rank fourth and seventh respectively.
Marcus Bingham leads the Playoffs in blocks with 2.1 per game.
