Anadolu Efes starts well in EuroLeague, despite excellent Jaylen Hoard
Anadolu Efes Istanbul started its 2025-2026 EuroLeague campaign in the best possible way by winning 85-78 against Maccabi Tel-Aviv at MORACA in Podgorica, Montenegro. While Vincent Poirier (injured), Brice Dessert (not selected) and Rodrigue Beaubois (did not enter the court) didn’t play for the Turks, Isaia Cordinier played 31 minutes for 7 points on 3/11 shooting, 3 rebounds and 2 assists for a 3 efficiency rating.
Smits decisive in crunch time
The game turned in the final moments. Down 75-76 with 4 minutes and 10 seconds remaining, the Turks relied on Rolands Smits to make the difference. The Latvian scored 7 consecutive points in the final phase to secure victory for his team.
Smits and Jordan Loyd dominated offensively with 16 points each. Shane Larkin added 14 points to Efes’ cause, while Ercan Osmani and Nick Weiler-Babb contributed 12 points each. For Maccabi, Jaylen Hoard and Roman Sorkin led the resistance with 15 points each, but it wasn’t enough. The French international finished with his team’s best efficiency rating (22), being very efficient (5/9 shooting, including 2/3 from 3-point range) and strong on the boards (9 rebounds).
A game of momentum shifts
The game was marked by numerous lead changes. Anadolu Efes got off to a good start with Kai Jones and Osmani, before Maccabi responded through Hoard’s 3-pointer. The first quarter ended 21-19 in favor of the Turks. The second quarter saw Maccabi take control with a 12-2 run initiated by T.J. Leaf and his spectacular dunk. Despite Larkin’s response with 5 consecutive points, the Israelis led 44-40 at halftime.
The third quarter was an offensive showcase. Weiler-Babb tied it at 45 before both teams exchanged baskets. Lonnie Walker and Loyd hit consecutive 3-pointers, allowing Anadolu Efes to retake the lead 60-59 before the final period. The fourth quarter began with a barrage of 3-pointers from Loyd, Smits, and Oshae Brissett. Despite Maccabi’s surge led by Tamir Blatt and Hoard to take a 76-75 lead, Smits stepped up with his decisive 7 points, before Loyd hit the knockout 3-pointer. The latest addition to the Istanbul squad, who arrives from Monaco, starts his story well with the two-time European champions.
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