Maccabi Tel Aviv Earns Crucial EuroLeague Win Against Struggling Milan

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a much-needed 97-79 victory over visiting EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in their EuroLeague matchup, ending a three-game losing streak. The win came 28 years after Maccabi last started a EuroLeague season with three consecutive losses, a period that saw significant coaching changes and player movements. Coach Oded Katash, who returned to the team under similar circumstances in the past, emphasized the team's "sense of urgency" in this game, which was reflected in improved defensive intensity.

The team's defense was notably sharper, starting pressure from half-court and limiting easy baskets for Milan. Seven players committed three fouls each, aiming to reduce opponent scoring. Defensive rotations improved significantly, and Maccabi recorded 12 steals compared to their previous average of six. They also conceded only seven three-pointers, a stark contrast to the 16 they had been allowing per game on average. While defensive rebounding still needs work, this was the first time this season Maccabi held an opponent under 80 points.

Offensively, Yam Madar delivered his second-best EuroLeague scoring performance, while Bonzie Colson had a strong final quarter. Jaylen Hoard also started the game with intensity. However, the article notes that the guard rotation, particularly Kiton Wallace, still tends to over-dribble and create for themselves rather than for teammates. Katash continued his disciplinary approach with Roman Sorkin, substituting him after defensive errors, though Sorkin still managed 12 points in 11 minutes. The coach's approach will be tested in upcoming games against Barcelona and Valencia.

Meanwhile, Milan's struggles continued, with the team appearing disorganized and lacking a true point guard. Despite a roster that includes high-earning players like Marco Guduric and a strong inside presence with Moses Wright, the team failed to utilize its size advantage. Coach Peppe Poeta, described as sympathetic but naive, faces an uphill battle to lead Milan to the playoffs. The article contrasts Milan's current form with their successful 2021 season, highlighting the significant drop in team cohesion and performance.

In other EuroLeague news, Zeljko Obradovic's Panathinaikos is currently dominating, having won their last four home games by an average of 92 points. The Greek team achieved this despite missing key players Kendrick Nunn and Kostas Sloukas. Obradovic, at 67, continues to be a commanding presence on the sidelines, and the team exhibits a positive and energetic atmosphere. With a deep and talented roster, Panathinaikos is considered a strong contender for the EuroLeague title.