Maccabi Tel Aviv Celebrates EuroLeague Win, But Coach Admits Problems Remain
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv achieved their second straight win against their city rival, defeating them 80-73 in a EuroLeague game played in Cyprus. The victory ended a four-game losing streak and boosted the team's confidence, though coach Oded Katash acknowledged that underlying problems persist. Player Yam Madar suffered an injury but returned to contribute significantly, while other players like Jimmy Clark and Bonzie Colson led the scoring. The team returned to Israel for their next domestic league game.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated their city rival 80-73 in a EuroLeague game in Cyprus.
- The win ended Maccabi's four-game losing streak in the EuroLeague.
- Player Yam Madar returned to play after an injury to his nose.
- Coach Oded Katash stated that despite the win, the team's problems are not solved.
- Jimmy Clark and Bonzie Colson were top scorers with 14 points each.
Maccabi Tel Aviv secured their second consecutive victory over their city rivals within three days, defeating them 80-73 in a EuroLeague game on Thursday. This win ended a four-game losing streak in the competition, improving their record to 8-3 and providing a significant confidence boost. The game was played in Limassol, Cyprus, at the Spanos Arena, marking a successful relocation for the team.
Maccabi showed improved character and determination, overcoming challenges such as a short roster, early foul trouble for a player named Keton Wallace, and an injury to Yam Madar. Madar suffered an elbow to the nose from Vasilije Micic in the second quarter, initially feared to be broken. Despite the injury and bleeding, he returned in the third quarter with a bandaged nose, contributing 10 points and 7 assists, including 6 assists in the first quarter alone. Coach Oded Katash noted Madar's desire to play despite the injury, stating, "He came out like a man. He wanted to get up and play, and helped us decide the game." Madar's availability for the upcoming game against Hapoel Jerusalem on Saturday is uncertain, as he received treatment to reset his nose and is experiencing sensitivity.
The game was also marked by physical play, including an unsportsmanlike foul by Josh Wainwright on Josh Bright in the third quarter. Bright was hit in the pelvic area and had difficulty walking, not returning to the game.
Offensively, Jimmy Clark and Bonzie Colson led Maccabi with 14 points each, while Daniel Theis added 10 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final quarter. The team made 10 three-pointers out of 34 attempts and secured 13 offensive rebounds.
"It's a big win for us," said Katash. "We showed a lot of character, and that's very important for us. The players stuck to the game plan." However, he cautioned, "Even after these two wins, not all our problems are solved. We've been through a difficult period, and we are still looking to strengthen the team." Maccabi hopes these recent victories signal a new beginning rather than a temporary recovery. The team returned to Israel on Friday morning for their next game against Hapoel Jerusalem.
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