Maccabi Tel Aviv Secures First EuroLeague Win, Showing Signs of Improvement

Maccabi Tel Aviv achieved their first victory of the EuroLeague season, defeating Milan 97-79 on Thursday. This win, following three consecutive losses, brings their record to 3-1 and injects hope and optimism into the team. The players displayed a significantly different and more confident approach compared to their earlier defeats, controlling the game from the outset.

Coach Oded Katash described the win as "big" and crucial for the team's confidence, highlighting their "heart" and defensive consistency. He noted the team's improved energy and ability to maintain momentum, preventing opponents from going on scoring runs, a recurring issue in previous games. Notably, Maccabi committed only 8 turnovers, a single-digit figure for the first time this EuroLeague season.

Player Yam Madar was instrumental, leading Maccabi with a performance index of 22, scoring 17 points and dishing out 4 assists, despite a back issue. "He always tries very hard, and today he had a very big impact on the game," Katash said of Madar. Jaylen Hoard also expressed satisfaction with the win, acknowledging the team's slow start to the season but emphasizing their hard work and improvement. Hoard contributed 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Other players like Bonzie Colson and Jamar Clark also made significant contributions, with Colson scoring 9 of his 13 points in the final quarter and Clark adding 9 points and 4 assists. Daniel Theis, returning from an ankle injury, played effectively, scoring 8 points. Captain John DiBartolomeo was not in the squad as the coaching staff opted for players in better game shape.

Maccabi Tel Aviv's next game is their Winner League season opener at home against Hapoel Galil Elyon, a game that coincides with coach Katash's birthday.