Hapoel Tel Aviv targets survival in Game 4 of the finals after cutting the series deficit

Hapoel Tel Aviv will host Maccabi Tel Aviv in Game 4 of the Israeli Basketball Super League final on Monday at 8:50 p.m., knowing another loss would end its title hopes. After a big win on Sunday narrowed the best-of-five series to 2-1, the team says it must win again to keep the championship race alive.

Coach Dimitris Itoudis said before the final practice that his side remains the underdog. “We are still one game behind, not the favorites but the underdog, and we have to play like that,” he said. Itoudis added that Hapoel showed one of the league’s best defenses during the regular season and in the series, and that “when players are focused, things happen and mistakes can be corrected.”

Forward Tomer Ginat said he is dealing with a “complicated health situation” and is trying to recover as quickly as possible between games. He also addressed the incident with Oshae Brissett, saying it was part of the emotions of the game and that players are trying to be as aggressive as possible while protecting their dignity. “Tomorrow is a survival game, and we will do everything needed to win,” Ginat said.

Ginat also spoke about Roman Sorkin, saying Hapoel knows him well and expects a better performance from him after a scoreless game. He said limiting Maccabi to 74 points would give Hapoel another chance to win. Guard Guy Palatin said the previous game had been a success because the team did what was needed, and that with home support Hapoel will try to repeat it. He noted Maccabi’s physical style and rebounding strength, saying the team spent a lot of time on video and must improve on the boards.