Nadir Hifi scored 26 points, including 20 in the final 13 minutes, as Paris Basketball defeated Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv 99-94 on the road in Thursday’s EuroLeague matchup at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.
Paris overcame a second-quarter offensive slump and a tied score entering the fourth period to secure its third victory of the 2026-27 campaign. Sebastian Herrera added 12 points, while Jimmy Clark paced Maccabi with 21.
The visitors made the stronger start, taking a 25-17 lead after the opening quarter. Hifi helped set the tone with an early three-pointer and a difficult jumper at the buzzer, while Tyson Etienne and Joel Ayayi also connected from beyond the arc.
Maccabi responded in the second quarter by increasing its defensive pressure and disrupting Paris’ ball movement. Roman Sorkin helped fuel the comeback, scoring from inside and outside as the hosts erased the deficit and moved ahead 31-29.
Paris struggled to regain its early rhythm, committing eight turnovers and making just one of eight three-point attempts in the second quarter. Maccabi took a narrow 36-35 advantage into halftime.
Yam Madar helped the hosts extend their lead after the break, but Paris answered with an 8-0 run sparked by Herrera and Etienne. Maccabi continued to find scoring through Bonzie Colson, who finished with 16 points, including a three-pointer at the end of the third quarter that tied the game at 65-65.
Hifi then took control. After scoring only six points through the first three quarters, the guard produced 20 in the final period and helped Paris build the separation it needed to finish the game.
Paris also found important contributions from its frontcourt. Alize Johnson scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Allan Dokossi added 10 points and five boards. Mohamed Faye contributed eight points and three rebounds.
Maccabi remained within reach and cut the deficit to six points with just over two minutes remaining, but Paris made the necessary plays down the stretch. Johnson and Herrera delivered important baskets, while Hifi maintained the visitors’ offensive pressure.
Paris finished 22-of-31 on two-point attempts (71%) and 13-of-32 from three-point range. Maccabi shot 55.9% inside the arc and made 14 three-pointers, but its 18 turnovers proved costly.
The victory moved Paris to 3-6, while Maccabi fell to 2-7. Paris travels to face Anadolu Efes next Thursday, and Maccabi visits Partizan on Friday.
