Katz Explains Why Walker Was Left Off the Roster for Holon

Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Oded Katz explained why Lonnie Walker was not included in the squad: "It is not a punishment. He was not with us for two days." Sport 5 published: 10.06.26, 20:41

Hapoel Holon will host Maccabi Tel Aviv tonight (20:50) in the second game of the playoff semifinal series, with Maccabi leading 1-0 after winning the opening game at the empty Menora Hall. In Holon, they are hoping to get back into the series and break a long streak of more than four decades without a home win over the yellow and blue in the playoffs.

Just before the game, coach Oded Katz explained why Lonnie Walker was not registered by Maccabi Tel Aviv: "He was not with us for two days, and that was also part of the decision not to register him for the game. Those considerations go into a professional decision. It is not a punishment."

In Predrag Krunic's team, they admitted after the first game that they were unable to show what they can do. In Holon, they felt that the team "was not in the game" and that they "played into the hands of Maccabi, who were better and played playoff basketball."

Tonight, the Purples will hope to show improved form, especially on defense, and take advantage of home-court advantage and the support from the stands, something they lacked at the start of the series.

As for the Purple roster for the game, Javon McCormick is expected to continue in place of Trey Croft, who is still suffering from pain in the abdominal area. As recalled, on the morning of the first game Croft felt unwell because of a stomach virus and updated the coaching staff, which decided to register McCormick instead. Since then, Croft has continued to feel pain and sensitivity and was referred for tests. As we reported this morning, Holon announced that Trey Croft will continue to be absent because of an abdominal injury. Croft underwent a surgical medical procedure at Shamir Assaf Harofeh Medical Center and is expected to be discharged home later today. The date of his return to activity will be determined according to his condition.

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In Maccabi Tel Aviv, they hope to continue the momentum from the first win, and this time they are expected to arrive with a somewhat deeper roster. In the previous game, the team played with only three foreign players and a short seven-man rotation, due to injuries and various absences. Oshae Brissett and Lonnie Walker did not take part in the contest because of the security situation and its effect on their physical and mental state. Jimmy Clark's condition is also still under observation. The guard, who recently returned from an injury in the hip and groin area, has returned to full fitness, but the coaching staff would prefer to give him an additional rest. The club was pleased with the offensive display in the first game and hopes to repeat it tonight. "We want to continue in the same way and at the same pace. We want to focus on controlling the rebound and not let them go on runs and fast breaks that will lead to a close game."

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