Full Breakdown
Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Setback After Consecutive Defeats
By Drooid · · How we work
Recent Losses Highlight Team’s Struggles
Maccabi Tel Aviv entered a challenging double-week with a 2-5 record after two high-profile defeats. In Euroleague action the club fell 113-99 to Real Madrid, a game in which Madrid set a team record with 21 made three-pointers. The loss followed a 20-point first-half lead that evaporated as Madrid’s guards—Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Andrés Feliz and Facundo Campazzo—took over in the second half.
A day later, Maccabi suffered its first Israeli League loss of the season, dropping 93-90 in overtime to Maccabi Rishon Lezion. The upset ended a 20-point comeback that forced overtime, and it came amid the absence of forward Iffe Lundberg, who remains sidelined with injury. Roman Sorkin led the Tel Aviv side with 23 points, while Chaunce Jenkins, Justin Tillman and VJ King contributed for the victors.
Coach Oded Katash’s Assessment
He added that the team ran out of steam in the second half, especially among the guards, and that Madrid’s aggressive pace forced a “very difficult” contest.
After the Rishon Lezion upset, Katash praised the opponent’s fans and energy, calling the win a “painful hit” that showed the power of the rival club’s supporters. He emphasized the need for his own players to play hard, maintain belief, and respond positively in the coming games.
Player and Team Reactions
Forward Jaylen Hoard said the squad must improve ball movement and avoid relying on Lundberg’s absence, stressing that stagnant passing “puts us in a hole.” Guard Brissett echoed the sentiment, calling the loss “not great” and urging the team to learn from the two-half disparity and improve defensive intensity when opponents go on runs.
Statistical Overview
- Euroleague loss: 113-99 (Real Madrid 21 three-pointers).
- Israeli League loss: 93-90 in overtime.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv record: 2-5 entering the double-week.
- Leading scorers: Roman Sorkin vs. Real Madrid’s Facundo Campazzo; Chaunce Jenkins and Justin Tillman for Rishon Lezion.
- Shooting slump: 2-for-18 from three-point range in the first half against Madrid.
Outlook and Upcoming Challenges
The club faces a demanding schedule ahead, with the need to recover lost ground in both domestic and European competition. Katash and his players have identified ball movement, defensive cohesion, and sustained offensive pace as priority areas to address before the next set of fixtures.