Jabari Parker and Dario Brizuela have emerged as standout playoff performers for Barcelona, helping the team rally from a 0–2 deficit to force a decisive Game 5 against Monaco. While Parker leads with calm experience and clutch scoring, Brizuela — the “Basque Mamba” — has delivered instant offense off the bench, drawing comparisons to JR Smith.
Barca's JR Smith? You heard that right. And no, you didn't miss anything.
Dario Brizuela
| Team: |
FC Barcelona |
| Position: | SG |
| Age: | 30 |
| Height: | 188 cm |
| Weight: | 73 kg |
| Birth place: | San Sebastian, Spain |
Yes, Barcelona brought in a well-known NBA name last summer by signing Jabari Parker.
But there's another name in that locker room whose nickname sounds global.
His real name is Dario Brizuela. Born November 8, 1994, in San Sebastian. But in Spain, they call him Basque Mamba.
Why Brizuela Is Nicknamed "Basque Mamba"?
When you start looking into why Brizuela got that nickname, you usually end up reading about his aggressive, skilled, and flashy style — a game that often rises to another level in the clutch.
And that's exactly what he's delivering in these playoffs: 13.8 points and 2.0 assists while shooting 66.7% from two and 61.1% from three — in less than 20 minutes per game against AS Monaco.
And it's not just about the playoffs. Since Round 20, when Brizuela's role expanded, his numbers climbed from 6.3 points per game to 13.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 60% from two and 49% from deep.
That stretch has him among the top 25 scorers in the EuroLeague.
The origins of the "Basque Mamba" nickname go back to his brother, a huge Kobe Bryant fan. One day, after Dario returned from practice, his brother suggested changing his Twitter name. Dario liked it instantly. His father, who was coaching then, wasn't thrilled about it at first. But the nickname stuck, and support from friends and others kept it alive.
From Estudiantes to Huesca, Unicaja, the Spanish national team, and now Barcelona, Brizuela has had to prove himself every step of the way. And now, he's doing it on the biggest stage, with Barca's back against the wall.
Mamba or JR Smith?
Brizuela dropped 17 points — including 6 in the fourth — to help beat Monaco and tie the series 2–2.
Barcelona is the only team this season to come back from a 0–2 deficit in the EuroLeague Playoffs.
"I don't know, but I call Dario JR Smith," Kevin Punter smiled in a buzzing Barcelona locker room, following a Game 4 victory, 79-72.
Barca's players had just returned from the floor — back out to celebrate with fans after coach Joan Penarroya's postgame speech.
"He reminds me of
