Full Breakdown
Hapoel Tel Aviv Secures EuroLeague Playoff Spot with Victory Over Maccabi
4/14/2026, 3:20:17 AM
Historic Derby Win
Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved a significant milestone in their inaugural EuroLeague season by defeating city rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv 99-88 in a highly anticipated derby held in Belgrade. This victory not only clinched a playoff berth for Hapoel but also positioned them for a potential top-four finish, which would grant them home-court advantage in the playoffs. Hapoel's record now stands at 23-14, while Maccabi drops to 18-19, effectively eliminating their chances of reaching the play-in tournament.
Game Overview
From the outset, Hapoel controlled the game, leading throughout the match. Key players included Elijah Bryant, who scored 19 points, and Collin Malcolm, who added 16 points. Chris Jones contributed significantly off the bench with 13 points and a career-high 11 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Maccabi's Lonnie Walker was the standout performer for the home team, scoring 17 points, but the team's struggles from beyond the arc—hitting only 8 of 36 three-point attempts—hampered their efforts to close the gap.
Coach Reactions
Hapoel's head coach, Dimitris Itoudis, expressed pride in his team's performance, emphasizing their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure. He stated, “We secured a playoff spot with one game to go, and we are happy for that,” while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges of building a competitive team in a new environment. In contrast, Maccabi's coach, Oded Katash, reflected on the defeat, noting, “I liked how we played in the second half... but we came off a very tough week.”
Implications for Both Teams
The victory solidifies Hapoel's status as a formidable contender in the EuroLeague, while Maccabi faces an uphill battle to regain momentum in their final games. Hapoel's next challenge will be against AS Monaco, another key competitor, as they aim to secure a top-four finish. Meanwhile, Maccabi will host Virtus Bologna in a bid to end their season on a positive note.
Criticism and Motivation
Following the match, Itoudis addressed external criticism directed at his team, stating, “We have had a lot of haters... but you know what? They motivate us. Give us more haters, we like that.” This sentiment reflects the team's determination to prove their critics wrong as they continue to build their identity in European basketball.
Conclusion
Hapoel Tel Aviv's victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv marks a pivotal moment in their EuroLeague journey, showcasing their potential and resilience. As they prepare for their final regular-season game, the focus remains on solidifying their playoff position and continuing to defy expectations in their debut season.
