Dunk of the season by Jalen Reynolds tops dominant Maccabi's performance vs Milan / News - Basketnews.com

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

The sixth man of the Menora Mivtachim Arena played a big role as Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (12-11) eased past high-flying AX Armani Exchange Milan (16-8) 75-58 (23-11, 17-26, 16-9, 19-12).

Player of the Game EFF 20 Ante Zizic Points 12 Accuracy 5-9 Rebounds 7 Assists 2

Maccabi restored their double-digit advantage at the start of the third period.

After a 10-0 run, initiated by Khyri Thomas, the hosts were guiding the way by 11 points (52-41). They maintained their double-digit lead until the third quarter ended (56-46).

Maccabi played a splendid stretch at the start of the fourth tally as well. The hosts went on a 10-2 spurt and their advantage grew up to 18 points (66-48). It was enough for the convincing and victorious finish.

Ante Zizic was the top performer for the winners, recording 12 points (5/9 2PT, 2/2 FT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, and 20 PIR. Jalen Reynolds and James Nunnally had a game-high 14 points apiece.

"I think it starts in practice. Obviously, Avi [Even] is such a good coach and put us in the position to do these things. I think tonight we played more together and I think that is the heartbeat of this team. When we play together, the sky's the limit," Reynolds said post-game.

Nicolo Melli was the bright spot for the Italians, posting a double-double with 10 points (4/6 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 2/2 FT), 12 rebounds, 1 assist, and 21 PIR.

"Of course, congratulations to Maccabi. They played better and deserved to win. They did what they have been doing recently very well: attack one-on-one, create a lot of situations with their athleticism. They were driving into the paint and they used very well both Zizic and Reynolds.

Our players tried, we are just in a moment that nothing goes our way. We shot the ball terribly and in addition to this, we turned it over 19 times, which is a terrible combination but again, it is my responsibility to help the players play better, to have the team more ready than it has been today. We will try to make the proper steps," Ettore Messina commented on the loss.

Derrick Williams-led Maccabi arranged a 10-0 run at the end of the first quarter to gain a 12-point lead (23-11). The Israeli champions extended their domination in the second, leading the way by 16 points in the mid-quarter.

However, Ettore Messina's squad was not ready to give up. Italians went on a massive 14-1 push to close the first half on a high note and cut their deficit to just three points (37-40). Devon Hall contributed with 6 points in a row.

Shavon Shields returned to EuroLeague court after last plying there on December 16, 2021.

Maccabi: James Nunnally 14, Jalen Reynolds 14, Ante Zizic 12 (7 REB), Keenan Evans 9.

Armani Exchange: Devon Hall 11, Nicolo Melli 10 (12 REB), Shavon Shields 9 (5 REB).

Highlights

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