Hapoel Tel Aviv Dominates Anadolu Efes in EuroLeague Amidst Roster Concerns
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved a dominant 88-118 EuroLeague victory over Anadolu Efes with a depleted squad, highlighted by Antonio Blakeney's career-high 35 points. The team's decision to play without any Israeli players drew criticism from management, though the club cited injuries to Vasilije Micić and Jake Tuffin. Hapoel is optimistic Micić and Tuffin will play in their next game against Dubai, as they maintain a strong 6-2 record in the EuroLeague.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Anadolu Efes 118-88 in a dominant EuroLeague performance.
- Antonio Blakeney scored a career-high 35 points in the victory.
- The team played with only 11 players, notably without any Israeli players.
- Injuries to Vasilije Micić and Jake Tuffin contributed to the short roster.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv is preparing for their next EuroLeague game against Dubai.
- The team holds a 6-2 record in the EuroLeague standings.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a significant 88-118 victory over Anadolu Efes in their EuroLeague matchup on Wednesday, marking what coach Dimitris Itoudis described as potentially their best game of the season in Europe. The team achieved this impressive win despite arriving late the previous night and playing with a depleted squad.
Key performances included a career-high 35 points from Antonio Blakeney and a strong showing from Dan Otero, who returned to form after recent struggles. Elijah Bryant also contributed significantly with 16 points and 12 assists. Itoudis praised the team's defensive effort, which held the talented Efes offense to 88 points.
Despite the dominant performance, the club registered only 11 players for the game, a move that drew criticism from senior management due to the absence of all Israeli players: Tamir Blatt, Bar Timor and Tomer Ginat. Their absence was initially intended if all players were healthy, but injuries to Vasilije Micić and Jake Tuffin created a "short blanket" situation.
Hapoel Tel Aviv stated that the four Israeli players are intensely preparing for their upcoming game against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The club is optimistic that both Tuffin, who experienced vertigo and sought hospital treatment, and Micić, who trained fully and was rested as a precaution, will be available for Friday's game against Dubai. Tai Audias also sat out due to knee swelling, with coach Itoudis opting to rest him given the game's outcome and the strong play of Otero and Bruno Caboclo.
This marks the second time Hapoel Tel Aviv has traveled for a game without any Israeli players, having previously done so against Panathinaikos. The four absent Israelis will also miss the game against Dubai. Hapoel Tel Aviv currently holds a 6-2 record in Europe, placing them near the top of the EuroLeague standings.
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