Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Crisis After Early EuroLeague Losses

Maccabi Tel Aviv is in a state of shock following their 109-93 defeat to Besiktas in Belgrade, leaving them winless after two rounds of the EuroLeague. The loss mirrored their opening-round defeat to Villeurbanne, characterized by soft defense, repeated errors, and an inability to contain opponents' scoring. Club officials expressed significant disappointment, having believed the current roster was deeper and more experienced than last season's, expecting a stronger start.

Instead, the team has exhibited the same issues: opponents are getting too many easy shots, defensive pace is low, and there's no clear offensive leader to carry the team when the system falters. "You can't win games like this," a club source stated, with internal feelings escalating from disappointment to anger over the lack of aggressiveness and failure to change momentum. The team appeared unprepared, allowing Besiktas to play freely and exploit defensive mistakes.

A major concern is the 33 three-pointers Maccabi has conceded in two games, highlighting struggles with closing out, rotations, and defending the three-point line. Besiktas exploited this vulnerability repeatedly. Adding to the sting, former Maccabi player Scottie Wilbekin led Besiktas with 20 points, showcasing the offensive firepower Maccabi currently lacks.

The team's performance has sparked internal discussions about potentially adding another player, specifically a guard capable of creating their own shot to alleviate pressure. While no immediate decision has been made, the fact the issue is being discussed after only two games underscores the depth of concern. The club had not planned for early roster changes but may be forced to act if performance doesn't improve.

Compounding the issues, captain John DiBartolomeo and Gur Lavi remain sidelined, impacting depth, energy, and defense, though the club refuses to use these absences as an excuse. The primary focus, according to players like Will Rayman and Ozzie Brill, is on improving defensive communication, fighting for rebounds, and playing with greater aggression from the start.

Maccabi's next challenge is a difficult road game against Panathinaikos in Athens, who are coming off a dominant win against Villeurbanne. Maccabi understands that a repeat of their defensive performance against Besiktas could lead to a much worse outcome. The upcoming practice will focus on correcting mistakes and rebuilding confidence, with the coaching staff seeking an immediate turnaround. Despite the early setbacks, the club emphasizes that the situation is salvageable but requires a dramatic improvement in defense and offense, starting with the Panathinaikos game, to prove the start was merely a blip.