Maccabi Tel Aviv Takes Control of the Final as Hapoel Searches for a Miracle

Maccabi Tel Aviv moved to a 2-0 lead in the championship series after a tighter Game 2 that still ended with the same winner. The article argues that the decisive edge is not just talent, but the structure and composure of coach Oded Katash’s team, which now looks organized, deep and hard to disrupt.

On Maccabi’s side, Katash has answers for almost every problem: when one player falters, another steps in. Iffe Lundberg provided control, scoring and leadership, O’Shea Brissett added rebounds and energy, Roman Sorkin was a stabilizer inside, and John DiBartolomeo helped as part of a disciplined rotation. The piece says the team’s strength comes from chemistry, balance and a polished system, but also raises whether that formula will be enough for EuroLeague success next season.

Hapoel Tel Aviv, by contrast, leaned heavily on Yam Madar, who finished with 34 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Coach Dimitris Itoudis tried to solve Maccabi’s zone defense, but the offense became static and predictable. The article says Vasilije Micic and Chris Jones have been inconsistent all season, while Jonathan Motley has not lived up to expectations and was largely ineffective in the paint.

Maccabi’s extended use of zone defense was a major factor, as Hapoel repeatedly failed to create advantages with single screens or meaningful ball movement. Even Hapoel’s early 0-14 run faded quickly once Maccabi adjusted, and the game settled into a controlled Maccabi win before 8,252 fans. Now trailing 2-0, Hapoel needs an unlikely comeback, and Itoudis insisted, “It’s not over,” though the article questions whether the team has the energy or belief for such a rescue.