Yam Madar Shines in Maccabi Tel Aviv Debut, Dominating Rival Hapoel Tel Aviv

Yam Madar made a spectacular debut for Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, leading his new team to a decisive 89-66 victory over his former club, Hapoel Tel Aviv, in the Israeli Basketball Super Cup. The highly anticipated transfer, which saw Madar move from Hapoel to Maccabi in the summer of 2026, was a major talking point in Israeli basketball. Madar, who became the most expensive Israeli player in Maccabi's history, quickly endeared himself to his new fanbase with a stellar performance.

Within the first half, Madar showcased his talent, scoring 13 points and dishing out 7 assists with zero turnovers. His performance included a remarkable buzzer-beating shot from nearly half-court at the end of the second quarter, which extended Maccabi's lead to double digits and set the tone for their second-half dominance. This shot energized the Maccabi fans and signaled the beginning of their eventual rout.

Maccabi Tel Aviv maintained their strong performance throughout the second half, ultimately securing a commanding win. The team's collective effort, highlighted by Madar's individual brilliance, proved too much for Hapoel Tel Aviv. The victory marks a significant start for Madar with Maccabi, especially considering he had lost to them in the league finals just three months prior while playing for Hapoel.