Maccabi Tel Aviv Coach Oded Katash Critiques Team Performance Despite Dominant Win

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured an easy 109-61 victory over Ironi Kiryat Ata, advancing to the Winner Cup semifinals where they will face Hapoel Jerusalem. The win came after a disappointing EuroLeague opening loss to Villeurbanne.

Despite the lopsided score, head coach Oded Katash expressed dissatisfaction with his team's execution, particularly in the first quarter, which he described as a "direct continuation of the first half in France." He noted that "things are not yet coming automatically" and that he "expected us to perform at a higher level already." Katash highlighted the need to integrate new players like Keaton Wallace and Daniel Theis, stating that he needs to "put them in more comfortable situations."

Katash also reflected on past seasons, mentioning that while Maccabi has won close games before, their EuroLeague opener showed they still need to adapt to the league's aggressive and intense style. He emphasized that even the "least good and focused quarter" of the game was unacceptable and that the team is currently operating at "50/60% of the tools we want to use," but those tools need to be executed at a much higher level.

Daniel Theis, who led Maccabi with 15 points, acknowledged the win as important for building rhythm. "I need to find my place and rhythm, this is a new system for me," he said. Theis stressed the importance of aggression and doing what the team needs, whether it's blocking or scoring. Reflecting on the loss to Villeurbanne, he stated, "We need to play stronger, we were not ready against Villeurbanne and it showed from the first minute."