Maccabi Tel Aviv Suffers Third Straight EuroLeague Loss to Paris

Maccabi Tel Aviv continued its downward trend in the EuroLeague, suffering a third consecutive defeat with a 99-94 loss to Paris on Thursday. The team struggled in crucial moments, particularly in the final quarter, despite strong performances from several players.

Maccabi held its own for three quarters and even led by one point at halftime. However, Paris delivered an impressive offensive performance in the fourth quarter, scoring 34 points to secure the victory. Jimmy Clark led Maccabi with 21 points, supported by Roman Sorkin and Bonzie Colson, who each added 16, and Yann Mader with 13 points and 9 assists. This loss dropped Maccabi's record to 2-7 in the EuroLeague.

The game saw an encouraging start for Maccabi, taking an early 4-0 lead. Paris quickly responded, with Eliezer Johnson hitting two consecutive three-pointers. Maccabi found it difficult to maintain offensive momentum, while Paris found scoring solutions both from beyond the arc and in the paint. Despite efforts from Sorkin to keep Maccabi in contention, Paris established a lead, ending the first quarter up 25-17.

Maccabi showed improvement in the second quarter, with Sorkin being a key offensive player. Oshae Brissett contributed with two important three-pointers, and Kithon Wallace provided solid minutes on both ends of the court. Maccabi managed to take the lead, but Paris capitalized on turnovers and missed shots to regain momentum. The lead changed hands before Sorkin scored to give Maccabi a narrow 36-35 advantage at halftime.

The second half was a closely contested affair. Mader became more involved offensively with two three-pointers in the third quarter, while Paris received contributions from Tyson Etienne, Nadir Hifi, and Alan Doukoure. Neither team could pull away, with Colson stepping up offensively to keep Maccabi close. A three-pointer by Hifi gave Paris a 60-57 lead, and they extended it to five points late in the quarter. However, Colson's buzzer-beating three-pointer tied the game at 65-65 heading into the final period.

Despite tying the game, Maccabi lost control in the fourth quarter. Paris opened the period with points from Hifi and Mohamed Faye. Although Brissett and Mader attempted to keep Maccabi in the game, the defense struggled against Paris's offense. Hifi dominated the quarter, scoring from all ranges and drawing fouls, leading Paris to an 8-point lead, 78-70. Despite late efforts from Mader and Colson with crucial three-pointers, Paris maintained their composure and secured the win from the free-throw line. Hifi finished with 26 points, and Johnson added 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists for Paris. Maccabi conceded 64 points in the second half compared to 35 in the first, marking another frustrating evening.