Maccabi Tel Aviv Suffers First Loss of Season to Maccabi Rishon LeZion
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv lost its first game of the season, 93-90 in overtime to Maccabi Rishon LeZion, ending a 43-game winning streak against non-top-tier Israeli teams. Coach Oded Katash cited mental lapses and fatigue as factors, while acknowledging Rishon LeZion's effective play. The team is looking to sign a new player amid a demanding schedule and injuries. Rishon LeZion's coach Guy Kaplan credited his team's energy and defense for the significant victory.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv lost its first game of the season to Maccabi Rishon LeZion, 93-90 in overtime.
- The loss ended Maccabi Tel Aviv's 43-game winning streak against Israeli teams outside of Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem.
- Coach Oded Katash cited mental issues and fatigue for the unexpected defeat.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv is actively seeking to sign a new player due to injuries and a demanding schedule.
- Maccabi Rishon LeZion's coach Guy Kaplan praised his team's energy and defense for the win.
Maccabi Tel Aviv experienced its first defeat of the season, losing 93-90 to Maccabi Rishon LeZion in overtime. This marks their first loss in Israel to a team other than Hapoel Tel Aviv or Hapoel Jerusalem since November 2024, ending a 43-game winning streak against such opponents. The team, coming off a EuroLeague game against Real Madrid and facing fatigue among its guards, fell behind by 20 points at home.
Coach Oded Katash acknowledged Rishon LeZion's effective strategy of pushing the pace and aggression, which exploited Maccabi Tel Aviv's struggles with shooting and turnovers. He noted that the team's lack of composure offensively led to Rishon LeZion's fast breaks in the first half. Despite a strong effort in the second half and overtime, Katash pointed to mental aspects and body language as areas needing improvement, especially with a demanding double EuroLeague week ahead and the ongoing absence of player Lonberg.
Katash expressed a serious intention to sign a new player to address the team's needs, particularly after Lonberg's injury, but admitted uncertainty about the obstacles preventing a quick acquisition. He also addressed an on-court exchange between players Will Rayman and Jalen Hurd, attributing it to the team's accumulated stress and expressing confidence that they would resolve it internally.
On the winning side, Rishon LeZion coach Guy Kaplan praised his team's positive energy and disciplined play, highlighting their strong defense. He emphasized the importance of professionalism and focusing on improving their game daily to achieve victories. Player Josh Freund commented on Maccabi Tel Aviv's ability to go on scoring runs but was pleased that his team managed to secure the win in overtime.
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