Hapoel Tel Aviv Stunned by Maccabi Tel Aviv in Winner Cup Final Collapse
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv suffered a stunning 86-75 collapse against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final, losing a 23-point second-half lead. The team's inability to score and defensive lapses allowed Maccabi to secure a dramatic comeback victory. Players and coaches expressed deep disappointment and frustration over the unexpected defeat. Hapoel will face Maccabi again on Thursday in a EuroLeague game, aiming to rebound from the significant loss.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv lost the Winner Cup final to Maccabi Tel Aviv after blowing a 23-point lead.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv completed a dramatic 50-16 run in the final 13 minutes to win 86-75.
- Hapoel players expressed shock and embarrassment over the second-half collapse.
- Coach Dimitris Itoudis was visibly frustrated, and assistant Stefanos Dedas was confronted by fans.
- Hapoel's Khadyn Carrington took responsibility for the loss and vowed to improve.
- The teams will meet again Thursday in a EuroLeague derby.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is in shock following an 86-75 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final on Monday. The team squandered a commanding 59-36 lead early in the second half, allowing Maccabi to mount a stunning 50-16 comeback over the final 13 minutes. Hapoel appeared lost, struggling to score and committing numerous turnovers that Maccabi exploited with fast breaks and three-pointers.
Coach Dimitris Itoudis expressed his frustration to guest Nigel Hayes-Davis after the game. Assistant coach Stefanos Dedas was confronted by angry fans, with one fan engaging in a lengthy discussion on the court. Some spectators called for the owner, Gili Ranana, to fire Itoudis, a move not considered by the team. Owner Ofer Yanai appeared embarrassed, congratulating Maccabi personnel as they celebrated.
Players were visibly dejected, quickly retreating to the locker room after receiving their second-place medals, with few Hapoel fans remaining. "What happened there at the end? I don't think any of us understand how we managed to embarrass ourselves like this," one player commented. Player Khadyn Carrington described the loss as a "story of two halves," admitting the team failed to make adjustments and recover after Maccabi's surge. "This loss is on us. I take it on myself, I need to be better at this and other things in the game," Carrington stated.
Hapoel Tel Aviv now faces Maccabi Tel Aviv again on Thursday in Cyprus for a EuroLeague derby. Carrington acknowledged the upcoming game will be different, with the team needing to learn from the final and focus on new strategies. "Everyone took this loss personally, we will need to recover," he added, also addressing his limited playing time this season by stating he is not making excuses and continues to work hard and trust his coach and teammates.
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