Hapoel Jerusalem Secures 12th Straight Win, Topping Maccabi Tel Aviv

Hapoel Jerusalem achieved its 12th consecutive victory on Saturday, defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 82-77 in a dramatic game at Menora Mivtachim Arena. This win maintains their perfect record in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, giving them a one-game lead over Hapoel Tel Aviv and a three-game advantage over Maccabi Tel Aviv. Despite a challenging game where the opposing team twice appeared to pull away, Jerusalem demonstrated strong character. Forward Nimrod Levi scored 12 points, and Yotam Hanuchi added 11, stepping up significantly while Kenny Lofton Jr. had his weakest performance of the season.

Following the game, Hanuchi received praise from teammates and coach Sasha Obradovic, who stated he would trust Hanuchi more after his crucial performance. "I think the kind of team we have, everyone is unselfish, everyone encourages each other, so it's really easy to see someone get into a rhythm," said Shay Miltom, praising Hanuchi's dedication. "Yotam puts in so much work, he works so hard on his game and so tonight was his night to shine and I'm happy he's getting his recognition."

Club officials congratulated the players and staff on the significant win. "I think the coach from the first moment talked about us setting the highest standards and goals for ourselves," stated Nimrod Levi. "Really, from day to day and in practice, that's what he talks about. We didn't think at the start of the season about this stage. But unequivocally, our goal is to come and win in every competition, in every game there is."

Levi also commented on his and Hanuchi's standout performances, seeing it as part of a team aiming for championships. "It's a dynamic in the team's roster, and of course I believe in myself that I can come and give in every game. I'm happy that today was our day," he added. Kenny Lofton Jr. acknowledged the team's great play but stressed the need for continuous improvement, "We just have to keep executing. I didn't have a great game today, I need to improve, but overall as a team we played amazing. We have to keep building ourselves, it's a long season, we have to improve every single day."

Guard Lorenzo Brown also contributed significantly to the win. Hapoel Jerusalem is reportedly leaning towards keeping Brown for the remainder of the season, holding an option to extend his contract even after the return of Jared Harper, expected next month. "Lorenzo gives us stability and answers in this regard. It took him time, he went through a difficult period before he came to us, but an amazing player," said Nimrod Levi about Brown. "I think that's the thing with us, that we find a way with the personality we create here, with what the coach instilled, we find a way to fight. And even in games where not everything clicks for us and it's not the best, to grab those games and win them."

Hapoel Jerusalem is scheduled to travel to Germany for a EuroCup game against Rostock on Tuesday, aiming to finish strong before the upcoming international break with another win against Maccabi Ashdod on Friday.