Blatt Set for MRI, Walker Says He Wants to Play

Maccabi Tel Aviv took another major step toward the playoff final after beating Hapoel Holon 84-74 on the road on Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in the semifinal series. Oded Katash’s team controlled most of the game and is now just one win away from reaching the final series.

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

At the end, coach Oded Katash said, “I am very happy and proud of the way we played. We continued doing the good things we did from the first game. Defensively we were better, and the defensive minutes were 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 stressed 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 properly. It was a good game for us, and we hope to close the series tomorrow and start focusing on the final,” the team said.

The standout performer was Jalen Hord, 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 45 efficiency rating, tying the club record in that category.

Katash praised the player after the game, saying, “Jalen was tremendous, I’m 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.”

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

Alongside Hord, Oshae Brissett, who chose not to play in the last game, scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a good outing. Facundo Campazzo added 12 points and 5 assists, while John DiBartolomeo scored 11 points and added 5 rebounds. Every player contributed well and efficiently on the night, boosting confidence ahead of Game 3, which could be crucial for both teams.

Despite the win, Maccabi are concerned about Tamir Blatt’s injury. The guard was hurt during the second quarter in his calf muscle, felt 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, saying, “From the moment Tamir was injured, we struggled offensively. We were missing a guard to divide the minutes and the workload. There was a heavy burden on our guards over the last 48 hours.”

Because of the injury, and also because the club feels this is the right time for him, 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 Blatt’s place.

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

The Lonnie Walker situation also remains on the table. The guard did not take part in the second game due to a professional decision, after refusing to take part in the first game against Holon and not even showing up for it. Nevertheless, Walker told 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.

Game 3 in the series will be played on Friday at Menora Mivtachim Arena, where Maccabi Tel Aviv will have the chance to complete a sweep, close out the series, and secure its place in the playoff final in front of a full arena of yellow-clad fans.