The match between Valencia and Maccabi Tel Aviv ended in favor of the Israeli club, and the final score was the result of a difference in shooting efficiency rather than the number of attempts. The Spanish team took more field goal attempts — 71 versus 63 — but made only 33, while the visitors hit 37. It was precisely this gap in accuracy that determined the outcome of the meeting, where every possession carried weight in the battle for important points.
The difference in long-range shooting was especially telling. Valencia attempted 38 three-pointers but made only 11 — just under 29 percent. Maccabi Tel Aviv was far more rational: 14 made three-pointers out of 24 attempts, a solid 58 percent conversion rate. This difference of 3 points in total long-range makes on half as many attempts is the key factor explaining why the visitors held their advantage.
The free-throw line also played a role, though not in the visitors' favor. Valencia made 11 of 12 free throws, Maccabi only 3 of 7. One might think this should have helped the hosts, but their poor field-goal shooting offset this advantage. Rebounds were split evenly — 29 apiece — though the structure differed: Valencia collected 9 offensive rebounds versus 4 for Maccabi, giving the hosts extra possessions, but they did not convert them into points.
Assists and ball control also point to a difference in style. Maccabi dished out 24 assists versus 19 for Valencia, indicating a more cohesive team offense. At the same time, the visitors turned the ball over more often — 15 turnovers versus 10 — but compensated with blocks (4 versus 1) and steals (6 versus 5). Both teams committed an equal number of fouls — 15 each.
The tactical conclusion is obvious: Valencia lost not from a lack of opportunities but from their inefficient use. A huge volume of three-point attempts at a low percentage and poor field-goal shooting negated their advantage on the boards and at the free-throw line. Maccabi Tel Aviv chose higher-quality shots, especially from beyond the arc, and this became the decisive argument in a match where the standings and important points carry special significance. The preview of the Valencia - Maccabi Tel Aviv match promised a tight battle, and it delivered — but victory went to the team that managed its attempts more rationally.
