The EuroLeague witnessed a compelling round of action this week, with Hapoel Tel Aviv securing a crucial victory over Olimpia Milano and Real Madrid dominating Bayern Munich. These results have significant implications for the standings, particularly for teams vying for playoff positioning, including Kaunas Žalgiris. The games featured standout performances and even a memorable, accidental three-pointer that added a touch of levity to the competitive atmosphere.
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s 92-86 win against Milano marked a turning point for the Israeli team, ending a four-game losing streak. The victory was punctuated by an unusual moment in the first quarter when Collin Malcolm, attempting a long pass, inadvertently scored a three-pointer from well beyond the arc, much to his own amusement. This unexpected contribution, while unconventional, boosted team morale and set a positive tone for the remainder of the game. The EuroLeague season is known for its high level of competition, and these kinds of unexpected moments often define memorable contests.
Hapoel Tel Aviv Overcomes Milano in Thrilling Contest
The match between Hapoel and Milano was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the game. According to the official EuroLeague Basketball website, Hapoel ultimately prevailed with a final score of 92-86 (29-19, 20-28, 24-17, 19-22). Elijah Bryant led the scoring for Hapoel with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and a performance index rating of 34. Vasilije Micić as well contributed significantly with 18 points and 9 rebounds, earning a performance index rating of 21. Milano, despite the loss, received strong performances from former Žalgiris players Zach LeDay (22 points, 5 rebounds, 23 PIR) and Josh Nebo (18 points, 5 rebounds, 24 PIR).
The unexpected three-pointer by Collin Malcolm, now playing for Hapoel Tel Aviv after a successful stint with Paris Basketball, quickly became a talking point. Malcolm (born July 2, 1997) signed a two-year deal with Hapoel after winning the EuroCup crown with Paris Basketball in 2024 and the French League championship last season. His versatility as a small forward and shooting guard makes him a valuable asset to his fresh team. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of basketball and the importance of seizing opportunities, even when they arise unexpectedly.
Real Madrid Dominates Bayern Munich
In another EuroLeague matchup, Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance, defeating Bayern Munich 93-70 (19-12, 34-21, 25-14, 15-23). The Spanish powerhouse established a significant lead early in the game and maintained control throughout, ultimately securing a decisive victory. Real Madrid’s dominance was evident in their ability to build a 32-point lead, reaching a maximum advantage of 85-53.
Mario Hezonja led Real Madrid with 16 points, while Trey Lyles added 12 points to the scoring effort. For Bayern Munich, Justinian Jessup was the standout performer with 17 points. Notably, Bayern Munich was without Rokas Jokubaitis, who remains sidelined due to a knee injury. The absence of Jokubaitis undoubtedly impacted Bayern’s offensive capabilities, contributing to their struggles against Real Madrid’s strong defense.
Standings Implications and Žalgiris’ Position
The results of these games have reshaped the EuroLeague standings, with both Hapoel Tel Aviv and Real Madrid positioning themselves favorably in the race for playoff contention. Currently, Kaunas Žalgiris holds a record of 17-12, placing them in close proximity to both Hapoel and Real Madrid. Real Madrid is one win ahead of Žalgiris, while Hapoel has the same number of wins but has played one fewer game. This close competition underscores the intensity of the EuroLeague and the importance of every game as teams strive to secure a playoff berth.
The EuroLeague is a highly competitive basketball league featuring some of the top teams and players in Europe. The league’s structure and playoff format emphasize consistency and performance throughout the regular season. Teams like Žalgiris, Hapoel, and Real Madrid are all vying for a top spot in the standings to ensure a favorable matchup in the playoffs. The league’s dynamic nature and the high level of skill on display make it a captivating spectacle for basketball fans worldwide.
Collin Malcolm’s Journey to Hapoel Tel Aviv
Collin Malcolm’s career trajectory has been marked by consistent growth and success across various European leagues. Beginning his professional career with Batumi in 2019, he subsequently played for Kauhajoki Karhu in Finland, Keravnos in Cyprus (where he won the Cypriot League and Cup in 2022 and was named League MVP), and Telekom Baskets Bonn before joining Paris Basketball. His achievements with Paris Basketball, including the EuroCup championship in 2024 and the French League title in 2025, solidified his reputation as a versatile and impactful player. Now, with Hapoel Tel Aviv, Malcolm aims to continue his success and contribute to the team’s pursuit of EuroLeague glory.
Malcolm’s ability to adapt to different playing styles and contribute in multiple facets of the game has been instrumental to his success. His recent performance, highlighted by the accidental three-pointer against Milano, demonstrates his ability to make an impact in unexpected ways. As he settles into his role with Hapoel Tel Aviv, fans will be eager to notice how he continues to develop and contribute to the team’s success.
The EuroLeague season is far from over, and the coming weeks will be crucial as teams battle for playoff positioning. With Hapoel Tel Aviv, Real Madrid, and Kaunas Žalgiris all closely positioned in the standings, every game will carry significant weight. Fans can expect more thrilling contests, standout performances, and unexpected moments as the season progresses towards the playoffs and the ultimate championship title.
The next scheduled EuroLeague games will take place on March 5th, 2026, with several key matchups that could further shake up the standings. Fans can stay updated on the latest scores, standings, and news on the official EuroLeague Basketball website.
What are your thoughts on Hapoel Tel Aviv’s recent performance? Do you think Collin Malcolm will be a key player for them in the long run? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below!
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