Hapoel Tel Aviv, facing elimination in Game 3, refused to let the championship series end. The red team led for most of the night at Yad Eliyahu, withstood Maccabi Tel Aviv’s late fourth-quarter push, and won 80-74 to send the final series to a fourth game on Tuesday.
Vasilije Micic once again starred with 29 points and 10 assists. After the game, he said, “We knew we had to give everything, and that is what we did. It was a good performance by us. I tried to do my best, and I think we had good momentum. We made good decisions, and that was the difference from the previous games in the series.” He added, “I am trying to lead the team. Everyone gave everything, Tomer, Yam, everyone contributed, and it is very important that everyone contributed and made an impact.”
Asked about knee pain he had suffered in recent days, Micic said, “I am fine, I feel good.” Looking ahead to Game 4, he said, “We need to keep believing, give everything as we did today, and stay united. I hope the crowd will come and push us.”
Coach Dimitris Itoudis then spoke before owner Ofer Yannay interrupted the interview. Itoudis said the home support was crucial, adding, “It was very important for us to see the fans here. They give us motivation, we thank them and we are waiting for them in Game 4 to help the players.” He praised the team’s defense, saying they held Maccabi to 74 points while also trying to limit turnovers, and said of Micic, “In the previous game people wondered whether he could play, but if anyone can play under this pressure, it is Vasa. We are happy that he plays like this and that he is with us.”
