Maccabi Tel Aviv completed a stunning 86–75 comeback win over Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Winner Cup final, rallying from a 23-point deficit late in the third quarter. What looked like a comfortable Hapoel victory became one of the season’s most dramatic derby turnarounds.
Maccabi trailed 59–36 with less than four minutes left in the third quarter. The team then found another level, cutting the deficit to 11 by the end of the period before taking control in the fourth. Jimmy Clark, Keaton Wallace, and Daniel Theis led the charge, helping spark a remarkable 32–5 run in under 10 minutes.
The unusual story within the story was Captain John DiBartolomeo. He scored no points but finished with four rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a +28 rating. His coach, Oded Katash, named him player of the game for the leadership and composure he brought during the rally.
That is what makes the result more interesting than a typical basketball comeback. It wasn't just about a hot scorer. It was about a team refusing to collapse when the game appeared lost, with a captain influencing the result through defense, decision-making, and emotional steadiness rather than points.
The trophy also arrives at an important time for Maccabi. The club has struggled early in EuroLeague play, sitting near the bottom of the standings, and had lost domestic momentum before the final. A preseason-style trophy does not solve those bigger problems, but it may provide the confidence and energy needed for a stronger turnaround.
For Hapoel, the loss will sting because it had the game under control. For Maccabi, it proves the team can still fight under pressure.
How much should leadership be judged by the score sheet? DiBartolomeo’s performance reminds us that some of the most important contributions in sports don't show up in points.
