Lonnie Walker leads Maccabi Tel Aviv to crucial 103-89 victory over Anadolu EFES in EuroLeague
Walkers return spurs Maccabi to victory Photo Credit: EuroLeague
Maccabi Tel Aviv delivered a statement performance against Anadolu EFES, securing a commanding 103-89 victory that keeps their EuroLeague Play-In hopes alive. Lonnie Walker starred with 25 points as Oded Katash’s team improved to 18-16, positioning themselves just one win away from the coveted 10th place Play-In spot.
The game started as a tight affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the opening quarter. Brice Dessert, Jordan Loyd and Nick Weiler-Babb provided early scoring for Anadolu EFES, while Jimmy Clark, Lonnie Walker and Oshae Brissett responded for the hosts. The Turkish side held a narrow 25-24 advantage after ten minutes.
Maccabi takes control in the second half
The second quarter saw Rodrigue Beaubois and Loyd continue their scoring for EFES, but Maccabi found their rhythm through Marcio Santos, Jaylen Hoard and Walker to establish a 49-44 halftime lead. The real damage came in the third quarter, as Clark and Walker dominated offensively while Roman Sorkin contributed crucial points to extend the advantage to 78-64 after thirty minutes.
Despite late efforts from Ercan Osmani and Sehmus Hazer for Pablo Laso’s team, Maccabi sealed the victory with baskets from Tamir Blatt, Brissett, Hoard and Walker in the final period. Clark finished with 17 points and Hoard added 16 points in the winning effort, while Loyd‘s 17 points and Dessert‘s 16 points led the losing side.
Head coach Oded Katash praised his team’s second-half performance: « Even tough we were up at halftime, we spoke at halftime about playing the right way with the right body language and we made that happen in the second half I’m very proud of the guys. We feel good and we feel better as to how we have to win games. »
Game MVP Lonnie Walker reflected on the team’s chemistry and his aggressive approach: « Our chemistry as a team is great, we can all be authentic, genuine and transparent are all working together as we have to be better collectively and individually. I was being aggressive as the past few games I was far from myself as teams were doubling me, so I had to adjust to that aspect. »
Jaylen Hoard emphasized the importance of understanding what’s at stake: « Understanding the stakes for us and fighting for a play in spot, just coming out with a lot of energy, not just me but all of my teammates. Our chemistry and adversity together has been key after starting the season rough. »
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