Maccabi Tel Aviv Collapses in EuroLeague Loss to Real Madrid
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv lost 113-99 to Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, dropping to a 5-2 record and 16th place. The team squandered a 15-point first-half lead, with coach Oded Kattash citing fatigue and an inability to slow down Real Madrid's offense. Key players like Jimmy Clark and Bonzie Colson performed well, but turnovers and the absence of Efe Ife Lundberg were significant factors. The club is seeking to add a new guard to its roster.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv lost 113-99 to Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, falling to a 5-2 record.
- The team blew a 15-point first-half lead, struggling with Real Madrid's offense and shooting.
- Coach Oded Kattash cited player fatigue and an inability to slow down the opponent as key issues.
- The absence of injured player Efe Ife Lundberg was noted as a significant factor.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly looking to sign a new guard to bolster its roster.
Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered their fifth EuroLeague loss of the season, falling 113-99 at home in Belgrade to Real Madrid. The team now holds a 5-2 record, placing them 16th in the standings. Maccabi started the game strongly, leading by as many as 15 points in the first half with energetic play and solid defense. However, Real Madrid began to close the gap in the second quarter, and the teams went into halftime with Maccabi holding only a one-point lead.
Coach Oded Kattash acknowledged the strong start but noted the team's inability to slow down Real Madrid's offense, particularly their shooting and offensive rebounds. "In a few minutes in the second half, it started in the second quarter, we struggled to slow them down, we need to learn that," Kattash stated, adding that while they couldn't control everything, he liked the players' body language and effort. Real Madrid set a club record with 21 three-pointers made out of 40 attempts.
Player Jalen Hurd expressed frustration with the team's stagnant offense. "We stopped moving under the basket, and whenever that happens we get into trouble. This is not the first time," Hurd said, emphasizing the need to move the ball as they did in previous wins. Real Madrid took control in the third quarter and extended their lead, reaching a 20-point advantage in the fourth, demonstrating their physical strength.
Sources close to the club suggested the team took too many early shots and played too quickly, losing their team rhythm. They noted Real Madrid's composure and ability to absorb Maccabi's early lead, while Maccabi struggled to maintain stability. Kattash also cited fatigue, especially among the guards, as a factor in the second half. "Against a machine like Real, sometimes you have to choose your poison," he commented, acknowledging the opponent's high shooting percentages.
Maccabi's lack of stamina compared to top teams was evident, with fatigue impacting their pace while Real Madrid accelerated. The team felt they stopped moving the ball and playing as a unit in the third quarter, allowing Real Madrid to increase defensive pressure, particularly on younger guards. Jimmy Clark led Maccabi with 20 points, but also had crucial turnovers. Bonzie Colson added 19 points, including 5-of-5 from three-point range, while Yam Madar contributed 14 points and 5 assists. The absence of injured player Efe Ife Lundberg was felt, impacting the team's offensive creativity and stability, with Kithon Wallace also reportedly struggling. The club is reportedly working to sign a new guard, with Nemanja Nedovic being considered. Maccabi's next game is at home against Maccabi Rishon LeZion.
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