Al Ahly’s superior bench depth and fourth-quarter execution proved decisive in an 89–80 win over Maktown Flyers. Despite James Butler Jr’s 29 points, Maktown paid for limited reserve production, highlighting crucial lessons in depth, focus and late-game composure.
Last Updated on
April 30, 2026
Al Ahly underlined the value of depth and late-game execution with an 89–80 victory over the Maktown Flyers, exposing areas the Nigerian side must address as the competition intensifies.
For long stretches, Maktown showed the shot-making and resilience that had kept them competitive through the opening games. They opened confidently, relying heavily on perimeter shooting, with their first nine points all coming from beyond the arc. That early burst suggested another explosive offensive outing was in the making. Once the Egyptian champions tightened their defense and disrupted Maktown’s rhythm, the balance of the game shifted. A three-pointer from Mohamed Khalaf midway through the first quarter gave Al Ahly a 12–11 lead, and they never trailed again. While Maktown repeatedly threatened to close the gap, they could not reclaim control.
Al Ahly’s second unit delivered a remarkable 52 points, compared with just 16 from Maktown’s reserves. It was a decisive factor and a clear lesson for the Flyers: championship-level teams need impact beyond the starting five. Coach Linos Gavriel’s decision to deploy a different starting lineup for a third consecutive game paid off, particularly with Kevin Murphy thriving in a reserve role.
Coming off the bench for the first time, Murphy led Al Ahly with 22 points, providing instant offense and helping maintain pressure throughout. Maktown, meanwhile, leaned heavily on James Butler Jr, who was exceptional with a game-high 29 points. Aggressive, composed and difficult to contain, Butler kept the Flyers within striking distance. Yet the lack of balanced support became more pronounced as the game wore on.
When Al Ahly raised their intensity, Maktown appeared to lose some sharpness in execution and focus. Defensive rotations slowed, offensive possessions became less fluid, and the energy that defined their early play faded at the worst possible moment. Against an experienced side like Al Ahly, those lapses were costly. The result lifts Al Ahly to 2-1 with momentum building and reinforces their reputation as a team capable of winning through versatility, not just star power.
For Maktown Flyers, now 1-2, the defeat offers important lessons. Their three-point shooting and star production can keep them competitive, but sustained success will require stronger bench production and greater composure in closing quarters. Wednesday’s loss was not simply about talent. It was about depth, discipline, and who executed when the game demanded the most.
(Photography Courtesy of BAL)
