Clutch 10-0 run by Maccabi gifts them a nail-biting win against Real / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (13-11) welcomed second-placed Real Madrid (18-8) in a game that was accompanied by a blazing-hot atmosphere at Menora Mivtachim Arena.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Keenan Evans Points 19 Accuracy 7-9 Rebounds 2 Assists 1

The yellows did not dissapoint their crowd, arranging a late surge and slipping by the Royal club 75-74 (20-21, 21-23, 18-22, 16-8).

Maccabi remained undefeated in Tel Aviv in 2022 and fortified their position in the Top 8.

After the first half going neck-on-neck, Thomas Heurtel sparked an 8-0 run for Real to give his team a substantial 6-point lead (57-51) in the third. The Royal club maintained its advantage and had plus seven (66-59) before the last stretch of the game.

Vincent Poirier was leading the way in the fourth quarter, gifting Real a nine-point lead (74-65) with 5:40 to go. Both clubs were struggling to find ways towards the basket, while Keenan Evans skidded the points drought (68-74).

The same Evans converted one shot from the line, added a layup, Derrick Williams contributed with a two-point basket, and Maccabi were only down by one (73-74) with 1:13 to go.

Real violated the 24 seconds rule, while Scottie Wilbekin was fouled on the other end. He sank both shots from the charity stripe and the Israeli champs were in front by one (75-74).

Thomas Heurtel missed the triple, as Real got the offensive rebound. Sergio Llull's shot was off the mark as well while referees whistled a jump ball near Maccabi's basket.

Walter Tavares won it against Angelo Coloiaro. Yabusele had a chance to win the match for Real but he could not connect the deep jumper.

Keenan Evans was the leader for the winners, accumulating 19 points (4/5 2PT, 3/4 3PT, 2/3 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 turnover, and 23 PIR.

Real Madrid / Schedule

Anadolu Efes Istanbul Real Madrid93-90 Maccabi Tel Aviv Real Madrid75-74 Panathinaikos Athens Real Madrid03-3118:00

"[What made this night so special for me] were my teammates. We just tried to play hard, and the work started the show, and this is our first double-week we got both wins, which is very useful for us," Evans stressed.

James Nunnally aided him with 14 points (3/5 2PT, 2/6 3PT, 2/3 FT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 20 PIR.

"I'll be honest. At some point in the game, I looked at the scoreboard and I saw a minus 9, but we made some changes and the energy in the arena just rose up like a hurricane. Everything can happen in this gym," Avi Even commented post-game.

Vincent Poirier was the top performer for Real, posting 13 points (5/7 2PT, 3/4 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 20 PIR.

"I got to watch the game and then I will take, let's say, a word about what I saw. I think it was very clear for me, but I want to watch the game," Pablo Laso spoke after the painful defeat.

Maccabi: Keenan Evans 19, James Nunnally 14 (8 REB), Scottie Wilbekin 14, Jalen Reynolds 12 (7 REB), Derrick Williams 11.

Real: Guerschon Yabusele 14 (7 REB), Vincent Poirier 13, Thomas Heurtel 11 (5 AST), Gabriel Deck 10 (6 REB).

Highlights

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