Hapoel made a major roster change before the game, registering Daniel Oturu in place of Jonathan Motley. For the center, it is his first game since May 7, when Hapoel lost to Real Madrid in the EuroLeague playoff series, and he has not played in the domestic league since February 18. Hapoel also registered Vasilije Micic, Kyshawn George, Ish Wainright and Tai Odiase for the matchup.
Maccabi made no roster changes and once again left Lonnie Walker off the list. Its registered foreigners are Jimmy Clark, Iffe Lundberg, Oshae Brissett, Jalen Hoard and Zach Hankins. The arena was largely red on the night.
Maccabi won Game 2 of the series 102-98 in a major derby to go up 2-0, but Hapoel answered in Game 3 with a defensive effort and an 80-74 win to stay alive. Micic led Hapoel with 29 points and 10 assists, while Roman Sorkin finished scoreless for Maccabi. Hapoel has never beaten Maccabi in a championship series, and the last two finals between them ended 2-1 for Maccabi in a best-of-three format. The next step is to see whether Maccabi closes the series tonight or whether Game 5 becomes necessary.
