Europe's longest rivalry will decide Maccabi's fate in the playoffs
The Yellows will host Real Madrid and find out their quarter-final opponent after the game. DiBartolomeo: "We shouldn't focus on anything other than ourselves"
12/04/2023
HOME·News Archive· Europe's longest rivalry will decide Maccabi's fate in the playoffs
After securing a much-desired ticket to the Euroleague playoffs, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has one last battle to fight, which could significantly impact how this season ends. The Yellows will host Real Madrid on Thursday (9 pm Israel time) in a game that will seal the regular season and determine the identity of their opponent in the quarter-finals series.
With many scenarios still possible for Maccabi's final position in the table, Coach Oded Kattash knows that his players must remain focused only on the upcoming game. "We have shown that we can play good basketball when we are focused and determined," said Maccabi's coach at the press conference before the game.
"Everything starts with defense. If we defend well, we can beat any team. Despite losing the last game in Kaunas, we played well, and I saw many good things. Nevertheless, Real Madrid presents different challenges from other European teams, and we must come prepared."
The Yellows' captain, John Dibartolomeo, echoed the same mindset as his coach. "We don't know the results of the other games, so thinking about them would only be a distraction," he stated. "We are playing against one of the best teams in the Euroleague in front of our fans, and a win will send us into the playoffs with the best momentum."
Maccabi beats Real in OT thriller, will face Monaco in the playoffs
Fueled by an electric atmosphere at Menora Mivtachim Arena, the Yellows defeated the Blancos 100-96 and will take on the French in a best-of-5 series. Brown stood out with 22
13/04/2023
HOME·News Archive· Maccabi beats Real in OT thriller, will face Monaco in the playoffs
This Euroleague season's story is still in the making, but it is promised to be exciting. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv finished the regular season today with an incredible overtime win over Real Madrid, 101-96, which, in addition to Fenerbahce's loss to Red Star Belgrade, determined the Yellows will face Monaco in a best-of-5 quarter-finals series.
It was another unforgettable evening at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Fueled by an electric atmosphere provided by the most passionate fans in Europe, Oded Kattash's players fought the Blancos with all their hearts. Despite a slow start and a 9-point deficit in the second quarter, Maccabi caught Real and went ahead at the beginning of the second half.
A close third quarter led to a nerve-racking last ten minutes. The Yellows entered the final stretch with a 65-62 lead thanks to a standout performance by Lorenzo Brown (22 points and 6 assists) and a significant contribution from Bonzie Colson and Josh Nebo. Wade Baldwin's three increased the lead to seven with five minutes left to play, but Real fought back and made it a one-point game. Maccabi had the last possession, but John DiBartolomeo's missed a possible winning shot.
The overtime started with Lorenzo Brown picking up an injury and leaving the court for treatment. In his absence, the hosts held off Real, with Darrun Hilliard and Roman Sorkin scoring crucial points leading Maccabi to 95-90 and effectively putting the game away.
With today's victory, Maccabi finishes the Euroleague's regular season in fifth place, holding the best home record in the competition (15-2). The quarter-finals series will begin on May 25/26, with the first two games to be played in Monaco.