Maccabi Tel Aviv Ends EuroLeague Losing Streak Against Hapoel Tel Aviv
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 80-73 in Cyprus, ending a four-game EuroLeague losing streak. Key player Yam Madar was instrumental despite suffering an injury. Hapoel Tel Aviv's loss marks their third consecutive defeat in the competition, placing them in the middle of the standings.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 80-73 in Cyprus, ending a four-game EuroLeague losing streak.
- Yam Madar delivered a strong performance for Maccabi, including crucial plays late in the game.
- Both teams suffered player injuries during the physical EuroLeague derby.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv's loss was their third straight in the EuroLeague, impacting their standings.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv's coach Oded Kattash successfully challenged a foul call late in the game.
Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 80-73 in a EuroLeague home game played in Cyprus on Thursday, snapping a four-game losing streak in the competition. This victory follows their recent win in the Winner Cup final, which ended a six-game losing streak across all competitions.
Maccabi's Yam Madar, who entered the game averaging 4.6 assists, dished out six in the first five minutes, helping his team to a 15-10 lead. Maccabi extended their advantage to 23-13 in the first quarter, capitalizing on Hapoel's individualistic play with fast-break points. However, Maccabi's offense stalled, and Hapoel managed to narrow the gap to 25-21 by the end of the quarter, despite a poor shooting performance from Antonio Blakeney.
The game saw several physical encounters. Madar suffered a facial injury from Vasilije Micić and left the game bleeding from the nose. John DiBartolomeo's energetic play, including three steals and a crucial three-pointer, helped Maccabi regain a two-possession lead. Hapoel's Oshae Brissett also sustained a significant injury after a collision with E.J. Wainwright. Madar returned with a bandaged nose but was involved in a double technical foul incident with Elijah Bryant.
Hapoel Tel Aviv briefly took their first lead since the third minute in the second half, going up 50-45. However, Maccabi staged a comeback, hitting seven three-pointers in eight minutes to build a commanding 71-63 lead. Hapoel coach Dimitris Itoudis was criticized for his offensive lineup choices, notably not playing Blakeney or Zach LeDay in the second half.
In the final minutes, Hapoel closed the gap to 74-72. Madar then made two key plays: a mid-range basket and a steal. Despite a late surge from Hapoel, including a three-pointer from Micić and free throws from Amir Coffey, Madar secured the win with crucial free throws after a foul was upgraded to a more severe penalty following a challenge. The loss marks Hapoel's third consecutive defeat in the EuroLeague, positioning them as a mid-table team.
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