Maccabi Tel Aviv made a powerful statement in the EuroLeague on October 9, 2026, defeating Olimpia Milano 97-79 at Menora Mivtachim Arena. The home side controlled the game from the second quarter onward, combining sharp outside shooting with relentless transition play to secure a victory that will boost their early-season EuroLeague standings position and confidence.

Match Overview

The opening quarter was a tight, physical EuroLeague battle. Milano’s half-court offense found early success through Nikola Mirotic, who scored inside and out, while Maccabi pushed the tempo whenever possible. A 12-4 Maccabi run midway through the first gave the hosts a cushion, but Milano answered with timely three-pointers to keep the deficit manageable. Maccabi led 26-22 after 10 minutes.

The second quarter is where the game tilted. Maccabi’s second unit increased the defensive pressure, forcing Milano into contested shots and long rebounds. A 15-2 run, sparked by Tamir Blatt’s playmaking and Roman Sorkin’s inside finishing, turned a four-point lead into a 56-40 halftime advantage. Milano’s offense became stagnant, relying on isolation plays that Maccabi’s switching defense was happy to concede.

Key Moments That Decided the Game

• First quarter: Maccabi used a 12-4 run to establish an early lead, but Milano’s perimeter shooting kept the score close.
• Second quarter: A 15-2 Maccabi surge, capped by back-to-back three-pointers, broke the game open and sent the hosts into halftime up 56-40.
• Third quarter: Milano trimmed the deficit to 10 points behind Mirotic and Shavon Shields, but Maccabi responded with a 9-0 run of its own.
• Fourth quarter: A 14-2 run in the final six minutes sealed the result, allowing Maccabi’s bench to close out the win.

Standout Players and Top Scorers

Maccabi Tel Aviv: Roman Sorkin led the way with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Tamir Blatt added 18 points and 9 assists. Levi Randolph contributed 16 points, and Jaylen Hoard chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds. Maccabi’s balanced attack saw five players finish in double figures.

Olimpia Milano: Nikola Mirotic was the main offensive threat with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Shavon Shields added 14 points, and Zach LeDay finished with 12 points. Nicolo Melli had 8 points and 6 rebounds, but Milano’s guards struggled to find rhythm against Maccabi’s pressure.

Tactical Story: Pace, Threes, and Defense

Maccabi shot 52% from the field and 40% from three-point range, making 12 of 30 attempts. They also recorded 24 assists, showing excellent ball movement and unselfish play. Defensively, Maccabi forced 15 Milano turnovers and held a 38-30 rebounding advantage, including 11 offensive boards that led to second-chance points.

Milano shot just 42% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. Their offense often stalled in the half-court, and Maccabi’s ability to switch screens and contest shots disrupted Milano’s rhythm. Maccabi’s transition game was particularly effective, turning defensive rebounds into quick baskets before Milano’s defense could set up.

EuroLeague Standings and Season Impact

The win improves Maccabi Tel Aviv’s early EuroLeague record and reinforces their reputation as one of the toughest home teams in the competition. For Olimpia Milano, the loss is a reminder that road games in the EuroLeague require greater offensive fluidity and better care of the ball. The head-to-head result also adds another chapter to a growing rivalry between two clubs with recent playoff history.

Maccabi will look to build on this performance in their next EuroLeague fixture, while Milano must regroup quickly before their next domestic and European commitments. In a competition where point differential and road form often decide playoff seeding, this 18-point margin could prove valuable for Maccabi later in the season.

What It Means

Maccabi Tel Aviv sent an early warning to the rest of the EuroLeague: when their defense clicks and their guards push the pace, they can overwhelm quality opponents. Milano, meanwhile, has the talent to bounce back, but this game highlighted the need for more ball movement and perimeter consistency. The EuroLeague standings are still taking shape, but Maccabi’s home statement will be remembered as one of the standout results of the opening rounds.