Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated city rival Hapoel Tel Aviv 103-90 in their first-ever EuroLeague matchup on October 8, 2025, played in Sofia, Bulgaria due to security issues in Israel. The yellows pulled away in the fourth quarter with sharp shooting and key contributions from NBA veterans, handing Hapoel their first loss of the season while securing Maccabi’s initial win.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
Maccabi started strong but faced a tough battle through three quarters. Hapoel kept it close, trailing by just three points heading into the final period.
The game shifted when Maccabi unleashed a 13-0 run early in the fourth, sparked by guard Jeff Dowtin’s three consecutive three-pointers. This surge came from forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks.
Hapoel tried to rally but could not match Maccabi’s hot shooting. The yellows hit 14 of 24 three-pointers for a 58 percent success rate, far outpacing Hapoel’s 35 percent.
Fans watched the action unfold in Sofia’s arena, a neutral site chosen amid ongoing regional tensions. This setup added an unusual layer to the intense rivalry.
Standout Player Performances
Lonnie Walker led Maccabi with 20 points, bouncing back from a rough previous game. He shot 7-for-13 from the field and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Oshae Brissett added 19 points on efficient 5-for-6 shooting, plus strong work on the boards. His free-throw accuracy, 7-of-8, helped seal the victory.
Jeff Dowtin came alive in the fourth with 13 points, all from those crucial threes. Starters Jalen Hoard, Roman Sorkin, and Tamir Blatt each scored in double figures, with Blatt dishing seven assists.
For Hapoel, players like Kevin Bryant scored 18 points, but turnovers and missed shots in the clutch moments proved costly.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lonnie Walker | Maccabi | 20 | 3 | 2 |
| Oshae Brissett | Maccabi | 19 | 5 | 1 |
| Jeff Dowtin | Maccabi | 13 | 2 | 3 |
| Kevin Bryant | Hapoel | 18 | 4 | 2 |
| Tamir Blatt | Maccabi | 11 | 1 | 7 |
Historical Context of the Rivalry
This matchup marked the first time these Tel Aviv teams met in the EuroLeague, Europe’s premier basketball competition. Both clubs have a storied history in Israeli basketball, with Maccabi boasting multiple EuroLeague titles.
Hapoel entered as favorites after winning their first two games in their debut season. Maccabi, however, needed this win after starting 0-2.
The derby draws from decades of local clashes, often filled with passion and high stakes. Playing abroad due to safety concerns highlighted current global events affecting sports.
Recent Israeli league games between them have been close, adding to the excitement. This EuroLeague edition lived up to the hype, drawing attention from fans worldwide.
Experts note that such rivalries boost league interest, similar to other famous derbies like those in Spain or Greece.
Impact on Season Standings
With this victory, Maccabi improves to 1-2, gaining momentum early in the 2025-26 EuroLeague season. They aim to build on this for a playoff push.
Hapoel drops to 2-1, still in a strong position but now facing questions about depth under pressure.
- Upcoming games for Maccabi include tough opponents like Real Madrid, testing their improved form.
- Hapoel will look to rebound against teams like Barcelona, focusing on reducing turnovers.
- Both teams play most home games abroad this season, which could affect performance.
Analysts predict more twists in the standings, given the league’s competitive nature.
Fan Reactions and Broader Implications
Social media buzzed with excitement post-game, as fans shared highlights and debated key plays. Many praised Maccabi’s resilience and shooting prowess.
This win could lift team morale amid challenges like relocating games. It also showcases Israeli basketball’s talent on a global stage.
Basketball enthusiasts see this as a sign of growing rivalries in the EuroLeague, potentially attracting more viewers.
What did you think of the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below and pass this article to fellow fans for more discussion.
