Maccabi Tel Aviv Wins Marathon Game, Sparks Debate Over Basketball Rules
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 80-73 in a basketball game that lasted nearly two and a half hours. The lengthy match, marked by frequent referee reviews, drew criticism from European observers who called for rule changes. Journalists and bloggers cited the excessive game length and numerous monitor consultations as problematic, with one noting the third quarter alone lasted nearly an hour.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 80-73 in a game lasting nearly two and a half hours.
- European observers criticized the game's excessive length and frequent referee monitor reviews.
- Journalists called for rule changes, describing the match as a "marathon."
- The third quarter of the game reportedly lasted almost an hour.
- The extended playtime sparked debate about potential basketball rule adjustments.
Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 80-73 in a highly anticipated derby match that lasted nearly two and a half hours, drawing significant attention across Europe. The extended duration and numerous referee reviews led to widespread criticism and calls for rule changes.
European basketball outlets and journalists expressed frustration with the game's length, with some noting that referees frequently consulted the monitor, significantly slowing down play. The website Eurohoops acknowledged Maccabi's victory but highlighted the game as "very long and very hot, with refereeing decisions that stole the show." Spanish journalist Alex Molina commented that "the rules need to be changed. The officiating was problematic, it was a marathon in every sense."
Further criticism came from blogger Aray Amin Aydemir, who stated, "The referees ruined the game between Maccabi and Hapoel. They went to the screen every time, every time." The account BSLPicks added that "the game between Maccabi and Hapoel was unpredictable. The third quarter lasted almost an hour." The extended playtime and frequent interruptions have prompted discussions about potential adjustments to basketball regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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