Maccabi Tel Aviv produced one of the most convincing performances of the early EuroLeague season on October 9, 2026, dismantling Olimpia Milano 97-79 at Menora Mivtachim Arena. The home side led from the opening minutes and never allowed Milano to settle, turning a competitive first quarter into a runaway victory by the final buzzer.

Match Overview

Maccabi's 97-point outburst came through balance and pace. The hosts won the first quarter 24-18, then stretched their advantage with a 27-20 second period that sent them into halftime ahead 51-38. Milano showed brief signs of life in the third, trading baskets in a 22-21 quarter, but Maccabi closed the door with a 24-20 fourth-quarter effort. The final scoreline reflected the game accurately: Maccabi was sharper on both ends, while Milano struggled to find rhythm against a switching, aggressive defense.

The EuroLeague encounter was decided in the middle quarters. Maccabi's guards repeatedly broke down Milano's pick-and-roll coverage, creating open threes and layups. When Milano collapsed the paint, the hosts kicked out to shooters. When Milano switched, Maccabi attacked the mismatch. That offensive versatility, combined with a rebounding edge, kept the Italian club at arm's length for the entire second half.

Key Moments

• First quarter: Maccabi used an 8-0 run to turn an early 6-6 tie into a 14-6 lead, forcing Milano into a timeout.
• Second quarter: A 10-2 spurt midway through the period pushed the margin to 17, and Maccabi carried a 51-38 cushion into the break.
• Third quarter: Milano cut the deficit to 10 with a 7-0 run, but Maccabi answered immediately with an 8-0 run of its own, capped by a corner three.
• Fourth quarter: Back-to-back three-pointers in the opening two minutes of the final period ended any realistic comeback hopes.

Tactical Story

Maccabi's defensive game plan was clear: disrupt Milano's half-court sets and force contested jumpers. The hosts switched screens aggressively, limited penetration, and sent extra help whenever Milano's big men caught the ball on the block. On offense, Maccabi played with pace, pushing the ball after misses and attacking before Milano's defense could set. The result was a 19-point advantage in fast-break points and a significant edge in assists.

Milano, meanwhile, leaned heavily on isolation basketball. The visitors' guards tried to win one-on-one matchups, but Maccabi's length and rotations made every shot difficult. Milano's three-point shooting was streaky, and when the shots stopped falling in the second half, the offense stalled. The rebounding battle also favored Maccabi, which limited second-chance opportunities and controlled the defensive glass.

Standout Players

Maccabi's leading scorer finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists, setting the tone with aggressive drives and timely outside shooting. A second perimeter player added 18 points, including four three-pointers, while the bench contributed 32 points. Maccabi's starting center controlled the paint with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. For Milano, the top scorer managed 17 points, but it came on inefficient shooting. The visitors' veteran forward added 14 points and seven rebounds, but Milano never found a consistent third option.

EuroLeague Standings and Season Impact

The win gives Maccabi Tel Aviv an important early boost in the EuroLeague standings, where every home victory counts in the race for playoff positioning. The head-to-head result could also matter if the two clubs finish close in the table. For Olimpia Milano, the loss is a reminder of the challenges of winning on the road in Europe's top club competition. Milano will need to correct its half-court offense and improve its defensive communication before the next round. Maccabi, meanwhile, will look to build on a performance that showed both offensive depth and defensive discipline.