Maccabi Tel Aviv Opens EuroLeague Season with Disappointing Loss to LDLC ASVEL

Maccabi Tel Aviv began their 2026-27 EuroLeague campaign with a disappointing 84-74 road loss to LDLC ASVEL, a team considered one of the weaker contenders on paper. Despite rallying from a 15-point deficit in the second quarter, Maccabi faltered in the crucial fourth quarter, succumbing to a lack of concentration and turnovers.

Key performers for Maccabi included Yam Madar with 13 points and 8 assists, Roman Sorkin with 13 points, and Jalen Hudson with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. However, many other players failed to deliver, and Madar himself committed two critical turnovers late in the game. Jimmy Clark, making his season debut after injury, provided a spark and helped erase the deficit, but veteran players like Patty Mills and Jaylen Crowder ultimately secured the win for the French side.

ASVEL, coached by Tony Parker and facing financial difficulties over the summer, had a strong shooting night, particularly from three-point range, finishing 16 of 34 compared to Maccabi's 7 of 29. ASVEL's top scorers were Jaylen Crowder with 19 points, Patty Mills with 15, and Yves Pons with 14 points and 5 assists.

Maccabi's overall performance was marred by 20 turnovers against only 19 assists. Other notable Maccabi players included Daniel Theis, who scored 9 points in his debut, and Lorenzo Brown, who had 5 points. Bonzie Colson did not score and did not play in the second half, while Keeton Wallace struggled with a minus-17 rating.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will look to secure their first win of the season when they face Besiktas next Wednesday. The team acknowledges they have significant work ahead to improve their performance.