Hapoel Tel Aviv Stuns Panathinaikos in Major EuroLeague Upset
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved a major EuroLeague upset by defeating Panathinaikos 91-81 in Athens, ending the Greek team's five-game winning streak. The Israeli team overcame a fourth-quarter deficit, with Elijah Bryant leading the charge. This victory, considered one of Hapoel's biggest in Europe, improves their record to 4-2, while Panathinaikos falls to 5-1.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Panathinaikos 91-81 in a major EuroLeague upset.
- The win snapped Panathinaikos's five-game winning streak in the competition.
- Elijah Bryant was a standout player for Hapoel Tel Aviv in the victory.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv overcame a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter.
- The Israeli team now holds a 4-2 record in the EuroLeague.
- Panathinaikos, despite the loss, holds a 5-1 record.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a significant 91-81 victory over Panathinaikos in Athens, marking a major upset in the EuroLeague. The win, which snapped Panathinaikos's five-game winning streak, was highlighted by an outstanding performance from Elijah Bryant. The Israeli team managed to overcome a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter, stunning the home crowd and coach Zeljko Obradovic.
The game, held at the OAKA arena, was described as a clash between a team that "almost" reached its goals and one that has "already" achieved them. Panathinaikos, a perennial European powerhouse with a permanent EuroLeague license, entered the game undefeated at 5-0. Hapoel Tel Aviv, aiming for the Final Four, was considered the "almost" team until this convincing win.
Despite a strong start by Hapoel Tel Aviv, leading 29-21 at one point in the first quarter, Panathinaikos responded with a 0-8 run to tie the game. The match then evolved into a high-level, physical contest, with both teams showcasing strong defenses. Hapoel Tel Aviv, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, managed to regain momentum in the final quarter, building a 71-61 lead.
Panathinaikos, playing without injured stars Kendrick Nunn, Kostas Sloukas, and Isaac Bonga, mounted a comeback with an 11-0 run to take the lead. However, Hapoel Tel Aviv, featuring experienced players like Micić and Tomas Satoransky, and strong scoring from Zach LeDay and Dan Ortero, regrouped. Elijah Bryant made crucial baskets, and Hapoel Tel Aviv scored six consecutive points to establish an 84-78 lead with just over two minutes remaining, ultimately holding on for the win.
This victory is considered one of Hapoel Tel Aviv's greatest in European competition and a significant statement of intent for the season. The team, which also recently defeated Besiktas, now holds a 4-2 record and will face Virtus Bologna next. Panathinaikos, now 5-1, will host Baskonia.
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