Hapoel Tel Aviv Stuns Panathinaikos for Major EuroLeague Upset
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a major 89-79 road victory against Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague, handing the Greek team its first loss of the season. The win improved Hapoel's record to 4-2 and was hailed by player Zach LeDay as a reason he joined the team. Coach Dimitris Itoudis praised his players' composure and belief, highlighting the team's potential. The team aims to build on this success and continue their progress in the tournament.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Panathinaikos 89-79 on the road in the EuroLeague.
- The victory was Panathinaikos's first loss of the season in the EuroLeague.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv improved its EuroLeague record to 4-2 with the win.
- Player Zach LeDay stated the win demonstrated why he joined Hapoel Tel Aviv.
- Coach Dimitris Itoudis praised his team's composure and belief during the game.
Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved a significant victory on the road, defeating Panathinaikos 89-79 in a EuroLeague game. This win marks the first loss of the season for Panathinaikos in the league and is considered one of the greatest achievements by an Israeli team in European competitions in recent years. With this result, Hapoel Tel Aviv improves its record to 4-2, placing them among the top teams and signaling their intent to go far in the tournament, similar to last season.
Player Zach LeDay expressed his satisfaction, stating, "This day shows why I came to Hapoel Tel Aviv. This is a team with good people, good players, among the best in Europe, and most importantly, winning games like this. It's early in the season, but it's a big step forward for us to trust each other and focus on the small things." He added that the team stayed together and remained calm during Panathinaikos's runs, believing in their ability to be one of Europe's top teams when playing strong defense.
Coach Dimitris Itoudis praised his players for their calmness and belief, noting that consistency leads to good things. He highlighted a key moment when the team extended a 71-61 lead, slowing the pace and enabling more aggressive offense. Itoudis emphasized the importance of team solidarity, stating, "Solidarity is nice to have, but togetherness is what makes a team unstoppable." He reminded the team not to have short memories, referencing an earlier loss to Bayern, and expressed happiness that players understand momentum. He also noted that working with the team's depth gives hope for continued progress.
Itoudis also commented on the relationship with Panathinaikos, calling them an "amazing" team from whom they learn and share ideas. He acknowledged Panathinaikos's potential to go all the way in the competition. "Achieving four wins from two double-week rounds indicates our potential. I want us to realize that potential," the coach concluded.
Player Elijah Bryant echoed the sentiment of confidence, stating, "We came here with the confidence to win. We trusted each other. Panathinaikos is an excellent team, but we came here for the win and were focused on that." He reiterated the coach's emphasis on mutual trust as the most crucial element for the team's continued focus and progress.
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