Maccabi Tel Aviv Shows Signs of Optimism After Dominant Euroleague Victory

Maccabi Tel Aviv has bounced back from a difficult start to their Euroleague season, securing a decisive 97-79 victory over Milan. This win follows an earlier midweek triumph against Hapoel Jerusalem, marking a significant turnaround from their previous three consecutive losses in the competition. The team displayed improved offensive and defensive organization, controlling the game from the outset and establishing a substantial early lead.

Despite Milan's attempts to close the gap, Maccabi's coach Oded Katash successfully managed the game, finding players to maintain the advantage. The team ultimately pulled away in the final quarter for the win. Player Yam Madar was a standout performer, scoring a career-high 17 points and achieving a personal best index rating of 22. Jalen Hurd contributed 13 points, as did Bonzie Colson, who was crucial in the final period. Roman Sorkin also scored in double figures with 12 points in limited minutes due to foul trouble.

Following the game, Jalen Hurd expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, stating, "We didn't start the season as we wanted, but I think we watched a lot of video this week, corrected mistakes... I think we took a step forward against Jerusalem, and even there were things we could learn from that game. I felt that today we played even better than that, and I hope we can continue to do that throughout the season." An unnamed team official praised the coaching staff, noting, "You could see the game plan and the control that was missing in previous games. From the start, every player knew his role and did the job."

Looking ahead, reports suggest Maccabi Tel Aviv has reached an agreement with the Cypriot government to host their Euroleague games there, pending league approval. However, the team aims to persuade Euroleague CEO Chus Bueno, who is expected to attend their upcoming game against Hapoel Galil Elyon, to allow games to be played in Israel. The club cautiously anticipates their next home game against Real Madrid in two weeks will still be held in Belgrade, with the first home game in Cyprus or Israel potentially against Hapoel Tel Aviv in early November.

The team is scheduled to fly back to Israel for a light practice on Saturday before facing Hapoel Galil Elyon. Coaches are expected to give more playing time to foreign players who had limited minutes in the recent game, with captain John DiBartolomeo also slated to play.