Maccabi Tel Aviv achieved its first victory in the 2025-26 EuroLeague season by overcoming their city rivals, Hapoel Tel Aviv, in a landmark derby match. This crucial win, secured with a final score of 103-90, demonstrated Maccabi's resilience and improved team cohesion. Jeff Dowtin Jr.'s standout performance in the fourth quarter, coupled with strong contributions from Lonnie Walker and Oshae Brissett, were pivotal in turning the tide against an undefeated Hapoel side. The game highlighted Maccabi's strategic adjustments and effective offensive plays, marking a significant moment in the competition's history.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Dominates Historic EuroLeague Derby in Sofia
In a momentous clash on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Arena 8888 in Sofia, Bulgaria, Maccabi Tel Aviv (1–2) notched its first win of the EuroLeague season, triumphing over city rival Hapoel Tel Aviv (2–1) with a decisive 103–90 victory. This encounter marked the first-ever Tel Aviv derby in EuroLeague history.
Maccabi, under the guidance of head coach Oded Kattash, entered the game with an 0-2 record, making this victory a critical turning point. The contest remained tight until early in the fourth quarter when Hapoel's Chris Jones tied the score at 72. It was at this juncture that Maccabi's Jeff Dowtin Jr. erupted, single-handedly scoring 11 consecutive points to establish a commanding lead for his team. Dowtin Jr. ultimately scored all 13 of his points in this crucial final period, instrumental in Maccabi's dominant 31–20 closing run.
Lonnie Walker spearheaded Maccabi's offense with an impressive 20 points and four assists, while Oshae Brissett contributed 19 points on exceptionally efficient shooting. Other key players for Maccabi included Jaylen Hoard, Roman Sorkin, and Tamir Blatt, who collectively added 36 points. Blatt also showcased his playmaking prowess with seven assists. Veteran T.J. Leaf provided a significant spark off the bench, scoring nine points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from the field.
Despite entering the game undefeated, Hapoel, led by head coach Dimitris Itoudis, struggled to maintain its early rhythm. Elijah Bryant paced Hapoel with 18 points, supported by Antonio Blakeney with 16, and Chris Jones and Vit Krejci each contributing 12. However, Hapoel was hampered by 16 turnovers, compared to Maccabi's 12. Maccabi's superior shooting percentages (58.3% from beyond the arc and 78.9% from the free-throw line) contrasted sharply with Hapoel's 34.6% from three-point range and 70.8% from the charity stripe.
Maccabi’s improved offensive balance and ball movement were evident throughout the game, as the team recorded 24 assists, a significant improvement over previous performances. The synergy among new recruits Walker, Brissett, and Dowtin Jr. was a clear highlight, underscoring the team's growing chemistry.
Looking ahead, Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to face FC Barcelona and Olympiacos Piraeus in consecutive EuroLeague matchups next week. Hapoel Tel Aviv will seek to recover from this loss when they host AS Monaco in Round 4.
This historic derby not only provided an electrifying spectacle but also served as a testament to Maccabi Tel Aviv's potential in the EuroLeague. The team's ability to adjust, execute, and deliver under pressure, especially through pivotal performances by their new talent, offers a promising outlook for the remainder of the season. For Hapoel, this game serves as a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement, particularly in ball handling and sustaining momentum against top-tier competition. The competitive spirit displayed by both teams suggests a bright future for basketball in Tel Aviv on the European stage.
