The Israeli Super Cup belonged to Maccabi Tel Aviv, who produced a commanding second-half performance to beat city rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv 101–83 and lift the first trophy of the Israeli basketball season. In a game that was billed as the traditional curtain-raiser between the reigning league champions and the cup holders, Maccabi's depth, shooting and defensive discipline proved decisive, turning a competitive first quarter into a comfortable 18-point victory.

Match overview

Played in front of a packed, noisy crowd, the Tel Aviv derby carried all the usual intensity of a Maccabi–Hapoel meeting, but the margin on the scoreboard eventually told a different story from the tight opening exchanges. Maccabi moved the ball sharply and attacked the rim early, while Hapoel relied on their half-court execution and outside shooting to stay in touch.

The game's structure was set by a strong close to the first quarter and a dominant third period. Maccabi's bench contributed meaningful minutes, and their ability to score in transition after defensive stops gradually wore down a Hapoel side that had to work hard for almost every basket.

• Final score: Maccabi Tel Aviv 101–83 Hapoel Tel Aviv
• Competition: Israeli Super Cup
• Quarter scores: 27–18, 24–22, 26–20, 24–23
• Margin: Maccabi by 18 points
• Result: Maccabi Tel Aviv win the Super Cup

How the game was won

The first quarter ended 27–18 in Maccabi's favour, and that nine-point cushion proved to be the platform for everything that followed. Maccabi's guards pushed the tempo off made baskets and long rebounds, forcing Hapoel into early mismatches and a series of fouls near the rim.

Hapoel responded well in the second period, matching Maccabi almost point for point at 24–22, and went into the locker room believing they were still within striking distance. The decisive passage came immediately after the break. Maccabi opened the third quarter with a sustained run built on aggressive pick-and-roll defence, and a flurry of three-pointers stretched the lead beyond twenty. Hapoel called timeouts to slow the momentum, but the turnovers kept coming and Maccabi kept converting them into easy points at the other end.

By the time the fourth quarter began, the trophy was effectively decided. Both coaches rotated their benches, and Maccabi's reserves protected the lead without allowing Hapoel any realistic path back into the contest.

Tactical story

Two themes defined the night: rebounding and three-point shooting. Maccabi controlled the defensive glass, limiting Hapoel's second-chance opportunities, and their transition attack punished every long rebound. Offensively, Maccabi's spacing stretched Hapoel's defence to breaking point, opening driving lanes for their guards and cutting actions for their big men.

Hapoel's half-court offence was patient but predictable. When their initial actions were denied, possessions often ended in contested mid-range jumpers or late-clock threes. Defensively, Hapoel struggled to contain Maccabi's ball-screen game, repeatedly switching into mismatches that Maccabi attacked without hesitation.

The free-throw line compounded Hapoel's problems. Maccabi's aggression drew fouls, and their efficiency at the stripe kept the scoreboard moving even during the stretches when the game slowed down.

Standout players

Maccabi's backcourt dictated the rhythm of the game, combining for a high volume of assists while committing few turnovers. Their guards consistently beat their defenders off the dribble, either finishing at the rim or kicking out to open shooters on the perimeter.

Up front, Maccabi's frontcourt controlled the paint at both ends, protecting the rim and finishing efficiently around the basket. The bench was arguably the difference-maker: the second unit extended the lead in the second and fourth quarters, providing the kind of production that wins trophies in one-off games.

For Hapoel, the performances of their leading scorers kept the deficit from becoming embarrassing, but the supporting cast struggled against Maccabi's pressure. Their captain's composure and their interior scoring were the bright spots on an otherwise difficult evening.

Season impact and what comes next

Winning the Super Cup gives Maccabi Tel Aviv immediate silverware and, just as importantly, momentum heading into the domestic league campaign and their European commitments. In Israeli basketball, the Maccabi–Hapoel rivalry defines the season, and drawing first blood in a derby final sets an important psychological marker for the months ahead.

For Hapoel Tel Aviv, the defeat is a reminder of the gap that still exists in depth and defensive consistency. The club has the talent to compete for trophies, pa