Maccabi Tel Aviv sweep Hapoel Holon, set up finals clash with Hapoel Tel Aviv
Maccabi Tel Aviv sealed a 3-0 semifinal series sweep over Hapoel Holon on Friday with a 61-89 home win, advancing to the playoff final for the fourth straight season. There, it will face its bitter rival, Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Head coach Oded Katash said the team cannot be viewed as the favorite despite holding home-court advantage. "We hope we have enough legs to finish the season properly. Even though we have home-court advantage, we cannot be favorites, not in our condition," he said.
Katash pointed to the injuries and absences that are affecting the roster, including Leaf, Lavie and now Tamir Blatt. "That is significant," he said, adding that the team will need to make adjustments in the coming days.
On Lonnie Walker, Katash said, "Will he be registered? I do not know how much the health of the other players will allow it, but like the rest of the players, Israelis and foreigners, he needs to be ready." Jimmy Clark said the season's difficulties prepared the team for this stage and called a championship "very significant" for everyone. Looking ahead to the derby final, he said, "There will be a great atmosphere and excellent crowds, I look forward to seeing what happens."
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.