Hapoel Tel Aviv Stuns Panathinaikos, Declared EuroLeague Contender
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved a major 91-81 road victory against Panathinaikos in Athens, improving their EuroLeague record to 4-2 and securing sixth place. Key performances came from Bryant and Zach LeDay, with Serbian media praising Vasilije Micić and noting Panathinaikos's struggles. The win has led to speculation that Hapoel Tel Aviv could be a EuroLeague title contender, with a relatively easier schedule ahead.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Panathinaikos 91-81 in a significant EuroLeague road victory.
- The win moved Hapoel Tel Aviv to a 4-2 record, placing them sixth in the standings.
- Bryant led Hapoel with 22 efficiency points, while Zach LeDay scored 17 points.
- Serbian media highlighted Vasilije Micić's impact and Panathinaikos's weaknesses.
- The victory has led to Hapoel Tel Aviv being considered a potential EuroLeague title contender.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv faces a comparatively easier schedule in the upcoming EuroLeague games.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a significant 91-81 victory over Panathinaikos in Athens on Friday, marking one of their most impressive European wins in recent years. The win propelled the team, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, to a 4-2 record and sixth place in the EuroLeague standings, with a comparatively easier schedule ahead.
The game saw Hapoel Tel Aviv build a 71-61 lead in the final quarter. Despite briefly losing their advantage, a crucial substitution by Itoudis, replacing Dan Or Turo with Ish Wainright, helped the team regain control. Bryant was a standout performer, scoring 14 points, grabbing six rebounds, and achieving a game-high efficiency rating of 22, solidifying his top position in the EuroLeague for that metric. Zach LeDay contributed 17 points and five rebounds, drawing seven fouls in the process.
Serbian media lauded Vasilije Micić for his performance, with Sportklub noting Hapoel's deserved win and their excellence in a difficult European task. They highlighted Panathinaikos's weaknesses and injuries, particularly the absence of Kendrick Nunn and Kostas Sloukas, which was felt for the first time this season. Serbian outlet Basketball Sphere expressed surprise at Hapoel's dominance, stating they controlled most of the game and that crucial three-pointers sealed the victory.
Turkish fans also commented, with some suggesting Hapoel Tel Aviv is a contender for the EuroLeague title. Hapoel has already faced tough road games against Valencia and Crvena Zvezda, as well as home games against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Valencia, Crvena Zvezda, and Panathinaikos are all currently in the top five of the EuroLeague after six rounds. Hapoel's upcoming schedule is considered lighter on paper, with future games against Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe.
Hapoel Tel Aviv's upcoming schedule includes home games against Virtus Bologna, Anadolu Efes, and Dubai, followed by home games against Barcelona, and then away games against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Baskonia, and Paris.
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