Maccabi Tel Aviv leads Hapoel Holon 42-35 at halftime in Game 3

Maccabi Tel Aviv is hosting Hapoel Holon in Game 3 of their playoff series, with a chance to complete a sweep and set up an all-Tel Aviv final against Hapoel Tel Aviv, which secured the first finals berth on Thursday. Coach Oded Katash is without Tamir Blatt, who has a small tear in his calf muscle and is also a major doubt for the finals if Maccabi advances. Jimmy Clark returned after about two and a half weeks and replaced David Epiani, while Lonnie Walker and Marcio Santos were again left out.

Holon, disappointed by its performance in Wednesday’s home game, again registered Javon McCormick because Trey Crot’s medical procedure before Game 2 kept him unavailable. The matchup is being played in Tel Aviv.

Maccabi started strongly and led 0-7 after three minutes. Holon got on the board only through Sanogo free throws and did not score its first field goal until about six minutes into the game. Maccabi took advantage and pulled away even without elite offensive rhythm, ending the first quarter ahead 20-11 after a Brist basket.

Holon opened the second quarter better and cut the gap with two quick baskets, but Maccabi answered with a 0-6 run and stretched the lead back to double digits. Clark also produced a highlight assist, lobbing an alley-oop to Horad. Holon continued to look disorganized and committed many turnovers, staying within reach mainly because Maccabi was shooting poorly from three-point range. At halftime, Maccabi led 42-35.