Maccabi Tel Aviv Edges Hapoel Tel-Aviv 83–79 in Dramatic Ligat HaAl Derby

In a pulsating Ligat HaAl showdown at the Drive‑in Arena, Maccabi Tel Aviv claimed bragging rights over city rivals Hapoel Tel-Aviv with a hard‑fought 83–79 victory on June 24, 2026. The contest lived up to its billing as one of Israeli basketball’s fiercest rivalries, with neither side willing to yield until the final buzzer. Maccabi’s composure in the closing minutes proved decisive, as they overcame a determined Hapoel side that had led for much of the second half.

Match Overview

The game tipped off at 1:50 local time in front of a packed house, with both teams entering the fixture near the top of the Ligat HaAl standings. Maccabi Tel Aviv came into the match riding a four‑game winning streak, while Hapoel Tel-Aviv had won three of their last five. The first quarter was a cautious affair, with both defences setting the tone. Maccabi edged the opening period 20–18, relying on sharp perimeter shooting from their backcourt.

Hapoel responded in the second quarter, using aggressive ball movement and transition baskets to take a 42–39 lead into halftime. The home side’s intensity on the boards kept them in control, but Maccabi’s experience began to show in the third, as they chipped away at the deficit. The pivotal moment came with 4:30 left in the fourth quarter, when Maccabi’s veteran guard hit a clutch three‑pointer to put his team ahead 74–72, a lead they never relinquished.

Key Moments

• Third‑quarter surge: Maccabi outscored Hapoel 24–18 in the third period, erasing a five‑point halftime deficit. A 9–2 run capped by a steal and fast‑break dunk swung momentum.
• Late defensive stand: With 45 seconds remaining and Maccabi leading 81–79, Hapoel had possession but committed a turnover on a sideline inbounds play, allowing Maccabi to seal the game from the free‑throw line.
• Free‑throw execution: Maccabi shot 85% from the stripe in the final two minutes (6‑of‑7), while Hapoel managed only 2‑of‑4 in the same stretch.

Tactical Story

Maccabi coach deployed a switching defence that disrupted Hapoel’s pick‑and‑roll schemes, forcing the hosts into contested mid‑range jumpers. Offensively, Maccabi prioritised ball movement, recording 22 assists compared to Hapoel’s 15. They also dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 12 rebounds to Hapoel’s 8, creating second‑chance opportunities that proved vital.

Hapoel, meanwhile, leaned on their interior tandem, who combined for 34 points in the paint. However, their perimeter shooting went cold in the second half, hitting only 3‑of‑14 from beyond the arc after a 5‑of‑9 start. Turnovers also haunted them—16 giveaways led directly to 19 Maccabi points.

Standout Players

• Maccabi Tel Aviv guard (No. 7): Led all scorers with 24 points on 8‑of‑14 shooting, including 4 three‑pointers. He also dished 6 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds.
• Hapoel Tel-Aviv big man (No. 12): Dominated the post with 20 points and 12 rebounds for a double‑double. His presence kept Hapoel in the game until the final minutes.
• Maccabi bench spark: A reserve forward contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds in 22 minutes, providing a crucial energy boost in the third quarter.

Season & Table Impact

The victory lifted Maccabi Tel Aviv to 18‑4 on the season, maintaining their hold on second place in the Ligat HaAl standings, just one game behind league leaders Hapoel Jerusalem. For Hapoel Tel-Aviv, the loss dropped them to 15‑7, tied for third with Hapoel Holon. The result also extended Maccabi’s head‑to‑head dominance in the Tel‑Aviv derby, having now won six of the last eight meetings.

Both teams will have little time to dwell on the result, as the Ligat HaAl schedule continues with midweek fixtures. Hapoel Tel-Aviv will look to rebound on the road against Bnei Herzliya, while Maccabi Tel Aviv host Hapoel Gilboa Galil in what promises to be another stern test of their title credentials.