Maccabi Tel Aviv routs Hapoel to open the playoff final

Maccabi Tel Aviv opened the playoff final with a one-sided 96-75 derby win over Hapoel on Tuesday night, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Oded Katash’s team came out sharper, surged early, built a double-digit margin quickly and never looked back at Menora Mivtachim Arena.

The hosts entered the game still stung by their heavy league-derby defeat in the previous round, when Yam Madar scored 41 points. This time, Madar finished with just 6 points, while Hapoel star Vasilije Micic had 7 points and 8 turnovers. Hapoel rarely threatened, and whenever it hinted at a comeback, Maccabi answered immediately.

Jalen Hoard led the winners with 20 points and was especially dominant in the first half. Oshae Brissett added 16, John DiBartolomeo and Jimmy Clark scored 15 apiece, and Roman Sorkin had 14. Even after a minor injury scare to Clark late in the game, he returned quickly and was expected to continue in the series.

Maccabi led 25-16 after the first quarter and 49-34 at halftime, then stretched the gap to 72-52 before the fourth quarter became extended garbage time. For Hapoel, Jonathan Motley was the only player in double figures with 12 points. Game 2 will also be played at Menora Mivtachim Arena on Thursday at 8:50 p.m., with Hapoel as the home team and needing a response to avoid falling into a deeper hole.