Two losses to start the EuroLeague season
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s start to the EuroLeague season did not go as hoped, with Friday’s 101-94 setback against Paris Basketball leaving the Blues with a 0-2 record through two rounds. The game, played in Belgrade, underscored a broader reality: the anticipated leadership changes in Tel Aviv are unfolding on the court, and the early results have been tough to swallow. While Hapoel Tel Aviv opened the season strong with wins over Barcelona and Anadolu Efes, Maccabi’s slow start has become a talking point in the city’s basketball conversations.
Belgrade setback and the early moments
From the opening whistle, Paris appeared the more cohesive team, and the early minutes reflected that edge. Maccabi battled, but the visitors built a steady lead, entering halftime trailing 48-41. Loni Walker provided a spark off the bench, scoring 11 points in the first 20 minutes despite not starting in the lineup. His contribution helped keep the scoreline respectable as Paris dictated the tempo in portions of the first half.
Paris seizes control after the break
The complexion of the game shifted decisively in the second half. Paris pushed their advantage beyond double digits late in the third quarter, taking a 74-63 lead into the final stanza. In the fourth, Paris continued to apply the pressure, and Maccabi found it increasingly difficult to close the gap. The French side managed to extend the margin to as many as 20 points (83-63), forcing the hosts to scramble for every possession and settle for a deficit that proved too large to overcome.
Key performers and what it means for Maccabi
For Maccabi, the offensively oriented guard play carried the afternoon: Lonnie Walker IV finished with 16 points, including 11 in the first half, while Jeff Dowtin added 16 points and 6 assists. Jalen Hoard contributed 15, and TJ Leaf chipped in 14, highlighting a balanced scoring effort that wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. On the other side, Paris benefited from a strong team effort, with a standout performance from a Paris player who led the team with 21 points as the visitors controlled the flow of the game for large stretches. The win underscored Paris’ ability to execute late and withstand a late push from Maccabi as the game approached its final buzzer.
Defensively, Maccabi showed moments of resilience, yet their rotation and communication weren’t enough to slow Paris in stretches where the visiting side imposed its will. The result adds pressure on the Tel Aviv club as they prepare for their next EuroLeague test, and it’s another reminder that the season may demand adjustments and a sharper execution under pressure. The early record places extra emphasis on the importance of getting their key pieces contributing consistently, especially as the schedule tightens in the weeks ahead.
Looking ahead: next up, Hapoel Tel Aviv
With a local rivalry looming, Maccabi’s immediate focus shifts to a pivotal clash against Hapoel Tel Aviv. It’s an opportunity for the squad to reset, tighten rotations, and prove they can compete with the other top teams in the competition. The upcoming bout will offer a clearer gauge of the team’s trajectory in a season that has already opened with two challenging fixtures. For fans and analysts alike, the question remains whether Maccabi can translate early-season adjustments into results on the EuroLeague stage in the weeks to come.
