Hapoel Tel-Aviv Stuns Maccabi Tel Aviv in Ligat HaAl Derby Blowout

Hapoel Tel-Aviv delivered a commanding performance to defeat archrivals Maccabi Tel Aviv 115–97 in a thrilling Ligat HaAl showdown on May 29, 2026. The victory in the Tel Aviv derby not only strengthened Hapoel's playoff positioning but also underscored their growing confidence against the league's most decorated club.

The game, played at Maccabi’s home arena, quickly turned into a showcase of Hapoel’s offensive firepower. Despite trailing briefly in the opening quarter, the visitors seized control with a 12–0 run midway through the second period and never looked back. By halftime, Hapoel had built a 13-point lead, and Maccabi never managed to cut the deficit to single digits in the second half.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams played with the intensity typical of this historic rivalry. Maccabi Tel Aviv leaned on their inside game early, with strong finishes from their big men drawing fouls and keeping the score close. However, Hapoel’s perimeter shooting proved decisive. The Reds connected on 14 three-pointers at a 48% clip, repeatedly punishing Maccabi’s drop coverage in the pick-and-roll.

Hapoel’s ball movement was exceptional, recording 28 assists on 42 made field goals. Their transition offense was especially lethal, turning Maccabi turnovers into easy fast-break points. On the defensive end, Hapoel forced 17 turnovers and contested every perimeter shot, holding Maccabi to just 34% from beyond the arc.

Key Moments That Decided the Game

• Second‑quarter surge: Trailing 28–26 early in the second quarter, Hapoel unleashed a 20–7 run over five minutes, sparked by three consecutive triples from their starting guard. The run pushed the lead to 48–35, setting the tone for the remainder of the half.
• Maccabi’s third‑quarter comeback attempt: Maccabi trimmed the deficit to eight points with two minutes left in the third quarter, but Hapoel answered immediately with a quick 6–0 spurt, capped by a steal and dunk, to restore a double‑digit cushion.
• Hapoel’s fourth‑quarter knockout: With eight minutes remaining, Hapoel extended the margin to 20 points for the first time. Maccabi called timeout but failed to slow down the visitors’ rhythm, and the lead stayed comfortably in double digits until the final buzzer.

Standout Players

For Hapoel Tel-Aviv, their backcourt duo was unstoppable. The starting point guard recorded 28 points and 11 assists, while the shooting guard poured in 26 points on 6‑of‑9 three‑point shooting. Their center added a double‑double of 18 points and 14 rebounds, controlling the glass on both ends. Maccabi’s leading scorer finished with 24 points, but he struggled from deep (2‑of‑8) and committed five turnovers under defensive pressure.

Season and Championship Implications

The result has major ramifications in the Ligat HaAl standings. Hapoel Tel-Aviv moved into sole possession of second place, strengthening their bid for a top‑two seed and a direct semifinal berth. Maccabi Tel Aviv, meanwhile, slipped to third, now two games behind the leaders with five regular‑season games remaining. For Hapoel, this statement win also provides a psychological edge ahead of a potential playoff showdown between the two rivals.

With both teams still in contention for the title, this derby will be remembered as the night Hapoel arrived as a genuine championship threat. Fans can expect the rematch in Hapoel’s home arena later this season to carry even higher stakes.