Maccabi Tel Aviv took the first step toward the championship by beating Hapoel Tel Aviv 96-75 in Game 1 of the basketball playoff final series. The win gave Maccabi a 1-0 lead and put it one victory away from the title, with Game 2 set for Thursday.
Maccabi controlled the game from the opening minutes, leading 25-16 after the first quarter. Its advantage grew to 15 points in the second quarter, and the teams went to halftime with Maccabi ahead 49-34.
Hapoel defended better after the break and cut the deficit to nine points, but Maccabi pulled away again late in the third quarter, which ended 72-52. The final period continued in Maccabi’s favor, sealing the 21-point victory.
The next game will be played at Hapoel’s home arena, where Hapoel will try to win and tie the series before it returns to Menora Mivtachim Arena.