Maccabi Tel Aviv woke up frustrated after its 80-74 loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Game 3 of the playoff final series on Sunday, which cut its lead to 2-1 after it had opened with two convincing wins. The team had been 40 minutes from the championship and missed the chance to clinch the title at home in front of a full arena.
The biggest anger in the club was aimed at the officiating. Coach Oded Katash and sporting director Claudio Coldebella went to the referees’ room after the game to speak with referee Omer Astron. Club officials complained about inconsistent calls and what they saw as overly harsh decisions against Maccabi. Katash had already shown his displeasure repeatedly during the game and was close to receiving a warning at least once.
Inside the club, the disappointment was also about the team’s performance. Maccabi said it did not play with the right energy or mindset and failed to impose its usual style. Its outside shooting was especially poor, as it made 9 of 33 attempts from three-point range and shot 47 percent overall, while Hapoel was better in those areas and finished stronger. The team now hopes to wrap up the championship on Tuesday in an away game, where about 1,100 Maccabi fans are expected to support it.
Jimmy Clark led Maccabi with 24 points and 7 assists. Also contributing were Iffe Lundberg with 15 points, Jaylen Hoard with 12 points and 9 rebounds, and Oshae Brissett with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. Will Rayman and Roman Sorkin finished scoreless, with Sorkin playing 25 minutes without scoring. Maccabi said it must fix its rushed decision-making quickly to avoid a decisive fifth game.
Even while chasing the title, the club is also working on next season. Maccabi has reached a two-year contract extension with captain John DiBartolomeo, and Brissett has also agreed to stay for two more seasons. In addition, the club is in advanced talks with center Richaun Holmes, who was released by Panathinaikos in March, and believes the discussions are moving positively.
