Nes Ziona Opens Basketball Season With Victory Over Kiryat Ata
Hapoel Ironi Nes Ziona, a team that significantly revamped its roster over the summer, began its 2026-27 Israeli Basketball Premier League season with a hard-fought 98-94 victory over Ironi Kiryat Ata. The team, now owned by Russian-Jewish businessman Lev Mazol, aims to move beyond last season's struggles near the bottom of the league.
Despite missing key Israeli players Adam Ariel and Noam Dovrat due to injuries, Nes Ziona relied on a strong performance from its foreign contingent, particularly Paris Lee. Lee, a former EuroLeague steals leader with ASVEL and Panathinaikos, was instrumental in the win.
Nes Ziona established an early lead and extended it to a game-high 21 points in the third quarter, which they won 31-18. Kiryat Ata mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to a single three-pointer, but Nes Ziona held on for the win.
The team's promising offseason acquisitions and strong start suggest an intriguing season ahead for Nes Ziona and Israeli basketball fans.
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