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mar 02 2026McKinley Wright delivered a flawless month that propelled Dubai Basketball back into playoff contention and earned him the EuroLeague Basketball February MVP Award presented by Motorola. The dynamic point guard was instrumental in Dubai's perfect 4-0 record, guiding the club through one of the most significant stretches in its young history with poise, efficiency, and overall impact.
The February award spanned four games, in which Wright averaged 14.0 points, 5.5 assists, and 18.8 efficiency rating (PIR). He converted 20 of his 31 field goal attempts, with an impressive 64.0% from two-point range and 66.7% from beyond the arc. Wright's influence extended far beyond the basic statistics, posting an outstanding +14.4 plus/minus average while controlling the tempo and consistently minimizing turnovers.
"This Monthly MVP means a lot to me," Wright said. "I'm grateful to my teammates and coaching staff for putting me in this position, for being by my side throughout this journey, and for helping me show what I can do."
Dubai's undefeated month included significant victories against European powerhouses. The streak began with a 108-98 overtime win against Olympiacos Piraeus, followed by a 93-85 victory over Real Madrid. Dubai then secured a valuable road win 78-96 against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan before closing out February with a 96-85 home win against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.
Wright delivered in every matchup. Against Olympiacos, he posted 18 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block for a 21 efficiency rating, setting the tone against one of the league's top-four teams. He also recorded a +28 plus/minus in that 10-point victory over the Reds. He then contributed 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal (18 efficiency rating) against Real Madrid, proving decisive once again in a top-tier matchup.
In Milan, Wright displayed control and efficiency, finishing with 6 points and 4 assists without a single turnover. He closed out the month with arguably his most complete performance: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, zero turnovers, and 27 efficiency rating against ASVEL, underscoring his value on both ends of the floor and his leadership.
"For the team, it means a lot to go 4-0 in the month of February," Wright added. "We're trying to maintain that level to fight for the playoffs. I also want to thank my family for being here supporting me, especially my partner and my two kids. Having them by my side and their presence has been a huge help for me, so it means a lot."
Dubai began February on the playoff bubble, but the 4-0 record elevated the club to eleventh place with a 15-14 record, just one game behind AS Monaco and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, who sit in ninth and tenth place respectively. The victories over Olympiacos and Real Madrid came against two teams currently in the top four, while the win in Milan delivered a direct blow to a rival fighting for the play-in.
Wright's recognition is historic, as he becomes the first Dubai player to be named EuroLeague Basketball Monthly MVP. In the club's inaugural EuroLeague season, his leadership and efficiency have been key to helping the team break barriers and establish itself as a genuine threat in the competition.
