Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Anadolu Efes: Euroleague showdown in Podgorica
In a pivotal Euroleague matchup, Hapoel Tel Aviv meets Anadolu Efes in Podgorica, Montenegro. The early action on the scoreboard shows Anadolu Efes leading 11-6 as the first quarter unfolds, signaling a tense, grind-it-out clash as both teams chase important early-season wins. Three days after a notable win over Barcelona, Hapoel is hungry to prove it can back up a big result against a former European champion while Efes looks to build momentum after a win in the same arena on Tuesday against another Israeli power, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Recent form and context
Hapoel Tel Aviv arrived in Montenegro riding confidence from their Barcelona victory, a performance that showcased their balance on offense and improved team defense. Anadolu Efes, renowned for their sharp execution and depth, is eager to keep the run of good results going on the road. Podgorica provides a neutral yet familiar backdrop for Efes, a venue where they have found success in recent Euroleague campaigns. The matchup sets up as a test of Hapoel’s resilience against a club with a storied Euroleague pedigree.
Three ex-Efes players for Hapoel
Vasilije Mizić
Vasilije Mizić is one of the key players on Hapoel who previously spent substantial time with Anadolu Efes. He delivered 18 points in the recent game against Barcelona, illustrating his scoring pop and comfort level against high-caliber competition. Mizić’s familiarity with Efes’ defensive schemes could be a critical factor in how Hapoel attacks the guests’ rotation.
Elijah Bryant
Elijah Bryant, who spent four seasons in Efes’ Euroleague setup, is another player for Hapoel with intimate knowledge of Efes’ personnel. In the Barcelona contest, Bryant filled the stat sheet with 11 points and 8 assists, showing his ability to combine scoring with playmaking to keep Efes honest on the perimeter.
Dan Oturu
Dan Oturu also brings a unique lens to this clash, having played for Efes during the previous two Euroleague seasons. Oturu’s scoring touch around the basket and his capability to stretch the floor will test Efes’s interior defense and rebounding discipline as Hapoel looks to control the boards and pace.
What a win would mean for the derby
If Hapoel can pull off the upset, they would carry a perfect record into the much-anticipated Israel derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv, scheduled for Wednesday. This would mark a historic moment in Euroleague history, potentially the first-ever high-stakes derby between two Israeli teams in the competition’s top tier. The result would not only bolster Hapoel’s position in the group but also amplify the intensity of the Israeli basketball rivalry as both teams pursue a deep run in Europe this season.
Key storylines and matchups to watch
Watch how Hapoel’s trio of Mizić, Bryant and Oturu handles Efes’ perimeter pressure and ball-screen actions. The trio’s previous Efes experience could translate into smart cuts, timely passes, and efficient scoring against a defense that often relies on speed and discipline. For Efes, the challenge will be to unleash their collective backcourt talent while keeping Hapoel out of transition and limiting second-chance opportunities. The crowd in Podgorica will add to the atmosphere, but both teams must execute cleanly to gain the advantage as the Euroleague season unfolds.
Looking ahead
As the game progresses, the outcome may shape the narrative heading into the week’s big clash in Tel Aviv. If Hapoel sustains the effort and consistency, the derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv could carry even more significance, turning the trio’s reunion with their former club into a launching pad for a memorable Euroleague chapter.
