Maccabi Tel Aviv Completes Stunning Comeback to Win Winner Cup

Maccabi Tel Aviv has won the Israeli Winner Cup basketball title for the 12th time in its history, staging a remarkable comeback against its city rival Hapoel Tel Aviv. The dramatic turnaround occurred in the final quarter of the game, just eight days after Hapoel had decisively defeated Maccabi in a league match, leading many to believe a shift in dominance was underway.

In the championship game, Hapoel Tel Aviv established a commanding 21-point lead, at one point holding Maccabi scoreless for over five minutes in the third quarter. Hapoel's German was particularly effective, hitting five consecutive three-pointers. The score suggested Hapoel was on its way to securing its first-ever domestic title.

However, Maccabi Tel Aviv, described as a "wounded animal," began to chip away at the deficit in the latter half of the third quarter. In the final period, Maccabi executed a decisive 25-2 run to secure an 86-75 victory, clinching the season's first title.

This victory marks the second time this season Maccabi has defeated Hapoel in a title match, having also won the Super Cup. For Hapoel, this loss follows their defeat in last season's local cup final. The two teams are set to face each other again in three days in a EuroLeague game.