Blatt Set for MRI, Walker Says He Wants to Play

Maccabi Tel Aviv took another major step toward the playoff finals after defeating Hapoel Holon 84:74 on the road last night, Wednesday, and moving ahead 2:0 in the semifinal series. Oded Katash’s team controlled most of the game and is now one win away from reaching the finals series.

The team opened aggressively and set the pace from the first minutes. Along with strong offensive play, Maccabi showed a significant improvement on defense, controlled the rebounds, and finished with 46 boards compared to Holon’s 32.

After the game, coach Oded Katash said, “I am very happy and proud of the way we played. We kept doing the good things we did from the first game. Defensively we were better, the defensive minutes are what won the game for us. We controlled the offensive rebounds, rebounds overall, and that is a major weapon for us.”

The club was pleased with the performance and emphasized the strong start that helped the team take control of the game. “We started well and that gave us time to get into the game in a good way, it was a good game for us, we hope that tomorrow we close out the series and start focusing on the finals,” the team said.

The standout performer was Jaylen Hoard, who delivered one of his best games in the Premier League. The forward finished with an impressive double-double of 30 points and 15 rebounds, along with a player efficiency rating of 45, tying the club record in that category.

Katash praised the player after the game and said, “Jaylen was tremendous, I am happy for him. In the last few games he has been better, more assertive, and we are getting more from him. His points came from the way we play, and that means we are playing the right way.”

Hoard himself addressed his performance and said, “I am trying to be aggressive. Since the playoffs started, my focus has been on that, I am trying to be aggressive, to go as far as possible. Everyone helped me get into rhythm, Blatt, Lundberg, they helped me a lot and that got me into the game. I had ups and downs this season. I am trying to do the best I can, I always try to keep improving, developing, and at the same time I feel there is continuity here. You can never always play your best basketball, but I am trying to do the best I can at what I do.”

Alongside Hoard, Oshay Brissett, who chose not to play in the previous game, scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a good outing. Itay Lundberg added 12 points and 5 assists, and John DiBartolomeo scored 11 points along with 5 rebounds. Every player contributed well and efficiently on the night, adding to the confidence ahead of the third game, which could be crucial for both teams.

Despite the win, Maccabi are worried about Tamir Blatt’s injury. The guard was hurt in the second quarter in his calf muscle, felt a sharp pain, and had to go to the locker room for treatment. He is expected to undergo an MRI during the day to determine the severity of the injury.

Katash addressed Blatt’s absence and said, “From the moment Tamir was injured, we struggled offensively, we were missing a guard who could divide the minutes and the workload. There was a heavy burden on our guards in the last 48 hours.”

Because of the injury, and also because the club feels this is the right time, Jimmy Clark, who has missed the last six games due to an injury in the hip and groin area, is expected to be registered for the third game in the series in place of Blatt.

Regarding the roster situation and injuries, Katash said, “We do not have too many solutions for injuries, we came into the playoffs not in the most ideal and optimal condition in terms of injuries, we do not have much depth. Jimmy is at a stage where I could already register him today for the game, but I was afraid of risking him, and obviously we will need him in the next stage.”

The situation involving Lonnie Walker also remains unresolved. The guard did not play in the second game following a professional decision, after refusing to take part in the first game against Holon and not even showing up for it. Even so, Walker made it clear to his teammates that he wants to play, and the decision on whether he will be used in the next game is now in the hands of the coaching staff.

The third game in the series will take place on Friday at Menora Mivtachim Arena, where Maccabi Tel Aviv will have a chance to complete a sweep, close out the series, and secure its place in the playoff finals in front of a full arena of yellow-clad fans.

Premier League basketball