By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief
Baskonia proved that resilience is the ultimate currency in the EuroLeague, overcoming a sluggish start and a depleted roster to secure a hard-fought victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in Round 36. Despite the absence of key personnel, including Latvian forward Rodions Kurucs, the Spanish side orchestrated a stunning third-quarter surge to flip the script and seal the win.
The contest was a tale of two halves, characterized by a dominant opening from the Israeli side and a clinical, high-scoring response from Baskonia. For a global audience following the race for the play-in zone, this result adds another layer of volatility to the standings as the season reaches its critical juncture.
A Tale of Two Halves: The Third-Quarter Explosion
Maccabi Tel Aviv entered the game with an aggressive offensive mindset, controlling the tempo from the opening tip. Powered by an exceptional performance from Lonnie Walker and supported by Roman Sorkin, Maccabi dismantled the Baskonia defense early. The Israeli side poured in 36 points in the first quarter alone, establishing an eight-point lead and setting a pace that Baskonia struggled to match.
While the second quarter saw a dip in efficiency for both teams, Maccabi managed to maintain their grip on the game. They headed into the locker room at halftime with a 53–44 advantage, leaving Baskonia searching for answers.
The momentum shifted violently in the third period. Baskonia opened the half with a decisive 8–0 run, immediately erasing the deficit. What followed was one of the most dominant quarters of the game: Baskonia exploded for 40 points while limiting Maccabi to just 19. This 21-point swing completely inverted the game’s dynamics, allowing the Spanish team to enter the final frame with a 12-point cushion.
The fourth quarter provided the drama. Maccabi refused to fold, launching a late rally that brought the game within striking distance. With the score at 93–89, Baskonia’s Nowell hit a critical three-pointer, and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot followed with a mid-range jumper to push the lead to nine.
Maccabi responded with three free throws and a three-pointer from Jimmy Clark to cut the deficit to four. A Baskonia turnover gave Maccabi one last gasp, as Jaylen Hoard scored to bring the game within two points with only 26 seconds remaining. However, Luwawu-Cabarrot stepped to the line, calmly sank both free throws, and held the lead until the final buzzer.
By the Numbers: Standout Performances
The box score reflects a battle of high-scoring individuals. For Baskonia, the victory was anchored by the poise of their perimeter players.
- Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot: 21 points (including the game-sealing free throws)
- Trent Forrest: 19 points
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s offense remained potent despite the loss, led by a trio of players who all eclipsed the 20-point mark:
- Jimmy Clark: 24 points
- Lonnie Walker: 23 points
- Roman Sorkin: 22 points
Roster Attrition and the Absence of Rodions Kurucs
Both teams were forced to navigate significant injury challenges. For Baskonia, the absence of Rodions Kurucs was a notable void in the rotation. The Latvian professional, who joined Baskonia for the 2025–present campaign, has been sidelined since Round 29, according to the official EuroLeague injury report.
Kurucs, a versatile modest forward/power forward known for his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets and FC Barcelona, has already found success with the club, including being a Spanish Cup winner in 2026. His absence, alongside those of Khalifa Diop, Tadas Sedekerskis, and Kobi Simmons, placed a higher burden on the remaining starters to maintain defensive intensity.
Maccabi Tel Aviv faced similar struggles with availability. The Israeli side was without Amit Ebo, Gur Lavy, T.J. Leaf, and Iffe Lundberg, losses that may have hindered their ability to close out the game during Baskonia’s third-quarter run.
Play-In Implications and Standing Shifts
This result has direct consequences for the EuroLeague postseason picture. While Maccabi Tel Aviv remains at 18 wins and holds a game in hand compared to their direct competitors, the loss slightly diminishes their probability of securing a favorable spot in the play-in zone.
For Baskonia, the win reinforces their ability to win “ugly” games—overcoming early deficits and managing high-pressure finishes despite a thinning roster. This mental toughness is often the deciding factor in the final stretch of the EuroLeague calendar.
Player Profile: Rodions Kurucs
While he watched from the sidelines for Round 36, Kurucs remains a pivotal piece of Baskonia’s long-term strategy. The 2.06m (6 ft 9 in) Latvian has an extensive pedigree, having moved through some of the most prestigious systems in global basketball. After starting at VEF Rīga and moving to FC Barcelona, he spent time in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, and Milwaukee Bucks. His journey through European basketball—including stints with Partizan, Real Betis, and Murcia—has made him a seasoned veteran capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor.
Detailed career statistics and history for the Latvian forward can be found via his professional profile.
Key Takeaways
- The 40-Point Pivot: Baskonia’s 40-point third quarter was the definitive turning point, erasing a halftime deficit.
- Clutch Performance: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot provided the necessary scoring (21 points) and ice-cold composure at the free-throw line to secure the win.
- Roster Depth Tested: Both teams struggled with injuries; Baskonia’s ability to win without Kurucs and three other key players demonstrates significant depth.
- Maccabi’s Efficiency Gap: Despite scoring 36 points in the first quarter, Maccabi’s inability to stop the bleed in the third quarter proved fatal.
For more detailed game breakdowns and scoring summaries, fans can refer to the comprehensive match recap.
Baskonia now looks to carry this momentum forward as they continue their push in the EuroLeague. With the play-in race tightening, every possession and every injury update will be under the microscope.
What do you reckon about Baskonia’s comeback? Does Maccabi have enough left in the tank to secure their play-in spot? Let us know in the comments below.
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