Kattash says Luni Walker stayed positive despite missing the final series

Maccabi Tel Aviv won the championship on Tuesday night, beating Hapoel Tel Aviv 83-79 to clinch the best-of-five final 3-1 and capture the club's 58th title. One notable absence in the series was guard Lonnie Walker, who was not registered for a single game.

After the title, Walker said, “Maccabi is in my heart. Next year we will be better.” He is expected to remain with the club next season.

Head coach Oded Kattash explained why Walker was left out, saying he had “heard noises,” but the team had no real alternative after Tamir Blatt's injury. “We needed another big next to Jaylen Hoard,” Kattash said, adding that injuries to T.J. Leaf and Gur Lavy prevented that, while the team also needed its two main guards. He also noted that Amitt Abo, who joined for that role, was dealing with an injury.

Kattash said the four absences left him no option to play Walker. “I did not need to speak with him. He understands, he was with us. He was positive before and after the games. There is no issue here,” he said.