Hapoel Tel Aviv leads Maccabi 56-51 after a blistering start in Game 2
Hapoel Tel Aviv responded to its heavy defeat in Game 1 of the final by coming out aggressively in the second game, opening with a 14-0 run. The third quarter was marked by a tight battle, with Hapoel holding a 56-51 lead as the teams traded momentum.
The article says Dimitris Itoudis’s team looked far less passive than it did in the first meeting. Hapoel started in a different mindset, while Maccabi Tel Aviv, coached by Oded Katash, initially struggled to hit its outside shots but gradually fought back by attacking the paint and closing the gap.
Late in the first half, Oshae Brissett gave Maccabi its first lead, but strong plays by Yam Madar and his teammates returned the advantage to the red side. Madar was the main driver of Hapoel’s explosive start, combining strong shooting, key assists, and important rebounds.
Vasilije Micic also opened the game well, while Brissett again stood out for Maccabi with energy and crucial rebounding. The game was being played in the Israeli Basketball Premier League final and was reported on June 18, 2026, at 22:02.
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