Imagine a basketball game where one player erupts for 36 points, yet his team still loses. That's exactly what happened when Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv faced Dubai Basketball in a thrilling EuroLeague showdown. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Hapoel didn't just win—they shattered their own scoring record and flipped the script entirely in the third quarter. Let's dive into how they pulled off this remarkable 109–97 victory, improving their record to 7–2 in their debut season.
The Israeli club found themselves trailing 48–47 at halftime, but what followed was a masterclass in teamwork and execution. In the third quarter, Hapoel outscored Dubai 35–19, showcasing the balance and precision that have defined their strong start. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about scoring—Hapoel dominated the boards with 40 rebounds, a key factor in their comeback.
Leading the charge for Hapoel was Elijah Bryant, who delivered a career-best performance with 25 points, seven rebounds, and a staggering 36 PIR (Performance Index Rating). Vasilije Micic added 19 points, while Antonio Blakeney and Jonathan Motley each chipped in 15. Dan Oturu contributed 12 points, and as a team, Hapoel shot an impressive 47.8% from three-point range. Controversially, some might argue that Dubai's defense simply crumbled, but could it be that Hapoel's offensive fluidity was just too much to handle?
On the other side, Dwayne Bacon put on a one-man show for Dubai, scoring 36 points on 52.6% shooting from inside the arc and nearly perfect free-throw shooting (13/14). Yet, his heroic effort wasn’t enough to stop Dubai's four-game losing streak, dropping them to 3–6. Here’s a thought-provoking question: In a league where teamwork often trumps individual brilliance, does Bacon's performance highlight a deeper issue with Dubai's roster balance?
Hapoel's victory was a testament to their depth, with five players finishing in double figures. Their third-quarter surge wasn’t just about offense—their defensive energy shifted the momentum decisively. The game, played behind closed doors at Sarajevo’s ZETRA Hall, lacked the usual EuroLeague buzz, but Hapoel’s focus never wavered.
Looking ahead, Dubai will host Crvena Zvezda next Tuesday, while Hapoel aims to extend their winning streak when they face Baskonia in Round 10. What do you think—is Hapoel a legitimate contender this season, or is their success just a product of a weak schedule so far? Let us know in the comments!
