Maccabi Tel Aviv Stages Epic Comeback to Win Winner Cup
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 23-point deficit to defeat Hapoel Tel Aviv 86-75 in the Winner Cup final. Jimmy Clark was named MVP with 24 points after leading the charge in the final quarter. The win marks a significant turnaround for Maccabi, while Hapoel missed a chance to secure their first title since 1993. The rivals will face each other again in the EuroLeague in three days.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv erased a 23-point deficit to beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 86-75 in the Winner Cup final.
- Jimmy Clark, named MVP, scored 24 points and hit six three-pointers to lead Maccabi's comeback.
- Eugene German led Hapoel Tel Aviv with 26 points but could not secure the win.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv missed an opportunity for their first Israeli title since 1993.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Oded Katash praised his team's character and hinted at a new signing.
Maccabi Tel Aviv achieved one of the greatest comebacks in its history, defeating fierce rival Hapoel Tel Aviv 86-75 in the Winner Cup final. Hapoel Tel Aviv had been on track to win their first Israeli title since 1993, leading by as many as 23 points in the third quarter.
Maccabi initially led 26-17 after the first quarter, with Jimmy Clark scoring heavily. However, Hapoel Tel Aviv, spurred by Eugene German's five consecutive three-pointers, took a double-digit lead. The momentum continued into the third quarter, where Hapoel held Maccabi scoreless for seven minutes, extending their lead to a game-high 23 points.
Facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit, Maccabi Tel Aviv, under coach Oded Katash, made tactical adjustments, switching to a three-guard lineup. This change, combined with a stellar performance from Jimmy Clark (24 points, 6 threes), Daniel Tays, and Keton Wallace (16 points each), ignited an extraordinary run in the final quarter. Clark was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
Other scorers for Maccabi included Jaylen Hoard (12), Yann Madar (10), Roman Sorkin (6), and Will Rayman (2). For Hapoel, Eugene German led with 26 points, but Kadeem Carrington and Antonio Blakeney were limited to 8 points each, with Elijah Bryant, Tai Odiase, and Dan Otuoro adding 7.
Coach Oded Katash described the victory as "extraordinary," praising his players' character and the team's resilience. He also singled out captain John DiBartolomeo for his leadership, despite scoring no points, and indicated that a new backcourt player might be signed soon. Maccabi Tel Aviv chairman Shimon Mizrahi stated that the team showed its "true identity." Hapoel Tel Aviv expressed disappointment at missing a historic opportunity.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Cyprus in three days for a EuroLeague game.
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