There are very few players in the Euroleague that can dominate a game the way Lorenzo Brown did in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 80-72 victory over Anadolu EFES. The point guard graces the floor like a ballroom dancer who commands attention of all those intently watching with bated breath. Or just like the conductor of a symphony orchestra who can bring his “team” to perfect harmony while an entire audience looks on in amazement.

That is what Lorenzo Brown did by scoring 11 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter of a game that looked like it was slipping away into the depths of disappointment but instead the guard carried his disciples on his back and turned around a 8-point, 65-57 deficit at the end of the third quarter into an 8-point victory as the final buzzer sounded.

Very few of the 10,432 fans in attendance could believe their eyes as the Yellow & Blue ripped off a 23-7 run over the final ten minutes of the contest to notch the win and move to two games over .500 at 9-7 after 16 rounds of games.

Maccabi Tel Aviv had been playing for about a month now without an injured Wade Baldwin which meant that Brown was tasked with many more responsibilities as he clicked in at a shade over 35 minutes of the 40 minute game. Whether it was organizing the offense and dishing out 7 assists, or scoring when it mattered most or just being the quiet leader that he is which has garnered much respect from his teammates, Brown was, has been and most probably will be the main man in Tel Aviv. In fact, Captan John Dibartolomeo described him as the engine to the offense.

While he may or may not enjoy the spotlight, it’s clear as day as to Brown’s importance to the team and he is just aching to welcome his backcourt mate back into the fray which according to reports is slated to take place next week when Maccabi Tel Aviv visits Real Madrid.

“I told Wade I can’t wait for him to get back so he can run off some screens like five or six times at the top of the key because I am exhausted at this point. We are happy to have Wade back and he is a big part of this team. I am glad he is ready to be back on the court,” Brown explained.

Brown’s coach Oded Katash is also aware as to how hard Brown has had to work for the team without having an additional guard at the ready as Wade Baldwin is still out of action, “What Lorenzo has had to experience over the past few weeks is really unusual and without Wade there is more pressure involved. Lorenzo has been able to manage the pressure.”

“But it’s good to remember Wade,” the Maccabi bench boss continued. “In my opinion this win is because all of the players who battled but also to see those who did not play like Wade who is injured or like Guy Pnini who was not dressed bring positive energy and to cheer on the team. It’s like having an additional two coaches. At the level the team is healthy and fun and they have the right body language and energy. We still have some weaknesses whether it’s in practice or during a game.”

There is no question that the energy created by the supporters at a Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball game is something unique and something special. So special that it can create magic which it certainly did in this game where the Yellow & Blue were able to stymie almost every single EFES possession. Somehow, the Turkish squad went an abysmal 1/10 from 3-point land to go along with an 0/4 showing from inside the arc in what was perhaps one of Maccabi’s best defensives showings this season. Add to the fact that the Yellow & Blue had 17(!) more shots than the visitors and that would also be part and parcel for a recipe to success.

“It was amazing as usual,” Brown said of the atmosphere at Yad Eliyahu. “We always feed off of their energy. It means a lot for us that they cheer for us and we appreciate them giving us support.”

Bonzie Colson who scored 11 points additionally attributed the defense as to what Maccabi was able to rely on down the stretch as they only allowed 7 fourth quarter points to chalk up the victory while also tying the win to Brown, “I think our energy picked up and we got key stops. We got rebounds and ran. We keep improving every day every game. As for Zo, he is a leader and his pace has been great for us. He just finds winning plays.”

Big man Josh Nebo who checked in with 10 important points spoke about the energy being the be all and end all for this win while also slipping in some thoughts on Brown’s showing and importance to the squad’s success. “It felt good as it was loud here and was hard to hear. The fans are what gives us the energy to make those comebacks in the fourth they give us that extra energy.“

Brown’s teammates found that there were not enough adjectives in the English language to describe how critical his contribution to the team is, “Zo was outstanding for us,” Jarell Martin who hit some big shots and collected 9 rebounds down the stretch to commented. “He got us going offensively and it is great playing with him.”

Jalen Adams who provided instant offense to get the game rolling and who also scored important baskets in the fourth quarter also knows what important attributes Brown brings to the table for Maccabi, “Lorenzo means everything to this team. When he gets clicking, we got so many weapons on the team. We do our job and knock down the shots.”

Adams himself has also played a central role for the team since joining the Yellow & Blue on a short term contract and while Katash is still searching for a big man to give Maccabi a little more depth in the front court due to the injury to Alex Poythress, he has made a decision concerning Adams’s future with the club which is one that will bring a smile to the squad.

“Jalen will continue with us, if it’s up to us,” the bench boss said while Adams himself made it very clear in the lockerroom of his intentions, “I want to stay part of this team. It’s hard to find a team and group of guys like this.”

It seems that this is as good as a sidduch, or match as they say for both the team and player.

As for Dibartolomeo, he feels the same way as many around the club feel as well, “We want Jalen to stay. He is a dynamic scorer and the more time he spends with us here the better he gets.”

“Jalen is my guy, he has been great all year. He has been learning and developing,” Colson opined.

What is clear right now for Maccabi Tel Aviv is that they are jelling together and becoming one unit that is understanding more and more how to play with one another. As a point guard, it’s only natural that Brown would be tasked with plenty of responsibility as he has been really playing above and beyond what had been expected of him which especially came to light in the victory over EFES.

But perhaps that is also due to the fact that there were very special snd notable Brown guests in the stands which included his mother, “It’s super amazing, I haven’t had my mom at a game since like college, maybe the NBA, but I didn’t play as much but college for sure, it felt great to have my family here. I wanted to come out here and play my best and it worked out.”

Lastly, Brown shared his thoughts about the new year which comes in this weekend, “I just wish that we all stick together, stay healthy and maintain being a family.”

To that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans can say, Amen.