Overtime Drama in Belgrade
In one of the most captivating games of EuroLeague Round 34, Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv emerged victorious against Dubai Basketball 104-100 in an overtime battle at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade. The contest, which required an additional five minutes to determine a winner, showcased the competitive intensity both teams have displayed throughout the season.
The game lived up to its billing as a clash between two teams entering on contrasting trajectories. Maccabi Tel Aviv came in riding a wave of momentum with six wins in their last seven games, while Dubai Basketball was looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 104-107 home loss to Panathinaikos Athens just two days prior.
Quarter-by-Quarter Battle
The opening quarter set the tone for what would become a defensive struggle punctuated by moments of offensive brilliance. Maccabi Tel Aviv edged the first period 18-17, with Jimmy Clark III providing an early spark off a three-pointer assisted by Lonnie Walker IV. Dubai Basketball responded with balanced scoring from McKinley Wright IV, who began what would become an exceptional all-around performance.
The second quarter saw Dubai Basketball assert themselves more aggressively, outscoring the hosts 28-23 to take a 45-41 halftime advantage. Wright IV continued his masterclass, converting difficult shots in the paint and demonstrating excellent court vision. Mfiondu Kabengele also made his presence felt in the paint, contributing crucial baskets and establishing himself as a force on the boards.
Coming out of halftime, Dubai maintained their edge through the third quarter, winning it 25-22 to extend their lead to 70-63 heading into the final period. The visitors appeared to be in control, with Wright IV orchestrating the offense beautifully and Kabengele dominating the glass with his physical presence inside.
Fourth Quarter Comeback
The fourth quarter belonged to Maccabi Tel Aviv, who mounted a furious comeback to force overtime. The hosts outscored Dubai 25-18 in regulation's final period, with O'Shae Brissett providing crucial scoring and Jimmy Clark III continuing to facilitate the offense. Roman Sorkin hit timely three-pointers that kept Maccabi within striking distance, while the defense tightened significantly to disrupt Dubai's rhythm.
The tension reached its peak in the closing minutes of regulation. With the score tied at 88-88, both teams had opportunities to win it in regulation, but clutch defense and some missed opportunities sent the game into overtime, much to the relief of the neutral spectators who were treated to premium basketball.
Overtime Excellence
The five-minute overtime period proved to be the difference-maker for Maccabi Tel Aviv. The hosts dominated the extra session 16-12, showing greater composure and execution when it mattered most. Jimmy Clark III was instrumental in the overtime period, scoring crucial baskets and converting six consecutive free throws in the clutch. His ability to handle pressure situations proved invaluable.
Dubai Basketball fought valiantly in overtime, with Wright IV hitting a spectacular three-pointer to keep his team within striking distance at 102-100. However, Maccabi's Jaylen Hoard sealed the victory with two crucial free throws in the final seconds, displaying ice-cold nerves under immense pressure.
Individual Brilliance
McKinley Wright IV delivered a virtuoso performance for Dubai Basketball, finishing with 26 points on an exceptional 10-of-12 shooting from the field, including one three-pointer. He added six assists and three rebounds, orchestrating Dubai's offense throughout the 46 minutes he played. His ability to penetrate the defense and create scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates kept Dubai competitive until the final buzzer.
Mfiondu Kabengele was equally impressive for the visitors, recording a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. His presence in the paint was felt on both ends, as he battled tirelessly for position and converted difficult shots around the basket. Kabengele shot 9-of-17 from the field and added four free throws, proving to be Dubai's most consistent scoring threat alongside Wright IV.
For Maccabi Tel Aviv, Jimmy Clark III orchestrated the victory with an outstanding all-around performance. The point guard scored 23 points while dishing out a game-high 10 assists, showcasing his ability to score and set up teammates. His 6-of-6 performance from the free-throw line in crucial moments demonstrated remarkable composure. Clark III's basketball IQ and decision-making were on full display throughout the contest.
O'Shae Brissett provided vital support with 19 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting, including two three-pointers. His energy and versatility were crucial in Maccabi's comeback, as he contributed nine rebounds and played solid defense when needed. Brissett's ability to impact the game in multiple ways proved essential in the victory.
Bench Contributions
Roman Sorkin came off the bench to provide 14 points, including two critical three-pointers that kept Maccabi in contention during difficult stretches. His six rebounds and timely shooting provided the spark needed from the second unit. Jaylen Hoard added 15 points and eight rebounds in 32 minutes, showing his worth as a versatile forward who can score inside and clean the glass.
For Dubai, Filip Petrusev contributed 11 points and six rebounds while adding three assists, showing his ability to facilitate from the post. Justin Anderson chipped in nine points with three three-pointers and four assists, though he fouled out in the closing stages of overtime, which hurt Dubai's chances in the final minutes.
Key Statistics and Turning Points
The game featured several technical fouls and coach challenges, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness on display. Dubai's Dwayne Bacon and Dzanan Musa both received technical fouls, while Justin Anderson picked up another in the overtime period, reflecting the emotional nature of the contest.
Free throw shooting proved decisive, with Maccabi Tel Aviv converting 22 of 31 attempts compared to Dubai's 15 of 19. In a game decided by four points, these extra opportunities at the charity stripe made the difference. Maccabi's ability to draw fouls and convert under pressure was a crucial factor in their victory.
The rebounding battle was relatively even, but Maccabi's 14 offensive rebounds compared to Dubai's 11 provided additional possessions that proved valuable in such a tight contest. Both teams struggled from three-point range at times, but Maccabi's 7-of-21 performance slightly edged Dubai's 9-of-29 shooting from beyond the arc.
Implications and Looking Ahead
This victory continues Maccabi Tel Aviv's impressive form, extending their strong run to seven wins in eight games. The team's resilience in coming back from a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit demonstrates the championship character this squad possesses. Their ability to execute in pressure situations, particularly in overtime, will serve them well as the regular season reaches its conclusion.
For Dubai Basketball, the loss marks their second consecutive defeat after the narrow loss to Panathinaikos. Despite the disappointment, the team showed tremendous fight and came agonizingly close to pulling off a road victory. Wright IV's exceptional performance and Kabengele's dominance inside provide plenty of positives to build upon.
The game was played at the neutral Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, continuing Maccabi Tel Aviv's displacement from their home venue due to regional circumstances. Despite playing away from home, the team has maintained their competitive edge and continues to find ways to win close games.
Final Thoughts
This Round 34 encounter will be remembered as one of the season's most thrilling contests. Both teams displayed the quality and determination that makes EuroLeague basketball compelling viewing. The lead changes, momentum swings, and individual brilliance combined to create a memorable spectacle that required overtime to separate two evenly-matched opponents. Maccabi Tel Aviv's victory keeps their playoff aspirations alive while Dubai Basketball must regroup quickly to maintain their position in the standings.
