Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv made headlines last Sunday when it postponed practice to welcome new signing Saben Lee, who has quickly become the talk of the EuroLeague. The team anticipated Lee’s arrival, and he did not disappoint during his Turkish Airlines EuroLeague debut, showcasing his skills in a thrilling 93-91 victory over Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
In just under 22 and a half minutes of play, the 25-year-old guard recorded an impressive stat line of 23 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and a 26 Player Index Rating (PIR). His performance comes on the heels of a standout season, where he dominated the Basketball Champions League with Manisa Basket, averaging eye-popping numbers before signing with Maccabi.
Lee’s debut featured a spectacular dunk over Ercan Osmani that seemed to galvanize his teammates. Despite having just joined Maccabi three days earlier, he commanded immediate respect and took charge of the offense during critical moments of the game alongside fellow guard Tamir Blatt.
“I’m just grateful to be able to be here with a good group of guys who have sown confidence in me and just being able to play my game,” Lee remarked after the game during an interview with EuroLeague TV.
Adjusting to the EuroLeague can be challenging for newcomers, but Lee appeared to adapt seamlessly. His electric performances in the Basketball Champions League set the stage for his smooth transition. In his BCL debut, he exploded for 36 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, and he later tied the competition’s all-time scoring record with an astonishing 43-point game at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, the same venue where Maccabi is currently playing.
“This court has definitely shown me love, for sure,” Lee said, reflecting on his rapid success in the arena.
Maccabi fans will not have to wait long to see Lee in action again, as the team prepares to face Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Thursday night in Round 4 of the EuroLeague. With Lee’s impressive debut, Maccabi fans may have found a new star to rally behind in their quest for success this season.
Leave a Reply