Hapoel Tel Aviv Targets a Stronger Showing in Game 2 of the Finals

After being routed in Game 1 of the championship series against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv is preparing for Game 2 on Thursday, with the goal of tying the best-of-five final at 1-1.

Coach Dimitris Itoudis said the team did not arrive with the right mindset in the opener. “We did not show up for the first game with the right state of mind, we have no right to be like that,” he said. He called Maccabi “a very experienced team” with “huge motivation,” added that Hapoel failed to meet the standard required in a final, and promised changes: the team will be more physical, adjust several strategic details, and be ready for the next game. He also apologized to the fans, saying they helped a lot and the team did not rise to the level expected in a final.

Tomer Ginat began by expressing condolences to the Segev family. He said he and the team are traveling to the funeral and share in their grief. Ginat also addressed his own fitness, saying he is not at 100% after being sidelined for almost four months, but is doing everything possible to help the team and is improving from game to game.

Ginat said Game 1 was unusual for Hapoel because Maccabi scored heavily off Hapoel turnovers and offensive rebounds. He said those issues can change, but the team must come out more focused and aggressive from the start. “This is best of five, there is still a long series,” he said, adding that the team must stay together, work hard, and play differently on Thursday. He also urged fans to fill the arena and help lift the team to another level.