Sports · Full coverage
Kats outfoxes Itoudis as Maccabi takes commanding Finals lead
How 6 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
67% centerFirst reported by Ynet · Jun 18, 2026
Center 4Right 2
What happened
Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 102-98 in Game 2 of the finals on Thursday, taking a major step toward its 58th title. Analysts credited Oded Kats for outmaneuvering Dimitris Itoudis, while Hapoel’s Yam Madar scored 34 points and 10 assists in defeat.
- 01Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 102-98 in Game 2 of the finals.
- 02The victory moved Maccabi closer to its 58th championship.
- 03Yam Madar scored 34 points and added 10 assists for Hapoel.
- 04Analysts said Oded Kats outcoached Dimitris Itoudis with a zone defense.
- 05Maccabi got key contributions from Iffe Lundberg, Roman Sorkin and Oshae Brissett.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 6 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
N12Center · Hebrew7 days ago
Maccabi Tel Aviv Takes 2-0 Lead as Hapoel Faces a Near-Impossible Comeback
MakoCenter · Hebrew7 days ago
Maccabi Tel Aviv Takes Control of the Final as Hapoel Searches for a Miracle
YnetCenter · Hebrew7 days ago
Hapoel Tel Aviv Shows Fight, but a 2-0 Finals Comeback Still Looks Unlikely
YnetCenter · Hebrew7 days ago
Maccabi Tel Aviv Takes 2-0 Final Lead After Comeback Win Over Hapoel Tel Aviv
YnetCenter · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Maccabi Tel Aviv takes 2-0 Finals lead as podcast debates officiating and team flaws
YnetCenter · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Maccabi Tel Aviv Moves One Win from the Championship After Beating Hapoel in Game 2
SrugimRight · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Maccabi Tel Aviv moves one win from the championship after edging Hapoel in Game 2
Now 14Right · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Maccabi Tel Aviv Takes Game 2, Moves Within One Win of the Championship
N12Center · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Hapoel Tel Aviv Faces Long Odds After Falling Behind 2-0 in the Finals
N12Center · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Hapoel Tel Aviv surges early but Maccabi fights back in Game 2 thriller
MakoCenter · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Hapoel Tel Aviv leads Maccabi 56-51 after a blistering start in Game 2
N12Center · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Itoudis T echnical as Maccabi Erases Early 14-0 Deficit in Game 2 Final
MakoCenter · HebrewJun 18, 2026
Itoudis T echnical Highlighted After First-Quarter Collapse in Finals Game 2
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