Maccabi-Hapoel Tel Aviv final series lifted Israeli basketball standards

Game 4 of the Israeli playoff final series was described as so good that the only complaint was that there were not two or three more like it. The series, especially after Hapoel Tel Aviv adjusted after a poor Game 1, produced three excellent games and restored pride in Israeli basketball, with particular emphasis on the local players who shaped it.

Yam Madar was Hapoel’s standout, finishing Game 4 with 26 points and emerging as the best Hapoel player in the series. Roman Sorkin, widely viewed as the best Israeli player in the league this season, started the final strongly despite Maccabi’s short roster and faded as the series wore on, but hit the decisive clutch three-pointer with 30 seconds left to deliver Maccabi the championship. Other Israeli contributors included Tomer Ginat, Ouz Blayzer, Guy Pnini? no, Guy Paltin, Bar Timor, and John DiBartolomeo, who filled in as an Israeli-level contributor after injuries to Tamir Blatt and Gur Lavy.

The columnist argued that Madar, who may not stay with Hapoel, showed he can play alongside Vasilije Micic better than other guards tried this season, including in the EuroLeague. He credited Madar with improved decision-making and smarter defense, saying the guard proved he can be just as dangerous as high-level EuroLeague opponents. He also noted that Hapoel were missing Elijah Bryant, Antonio Blakeney and, until Game 4, Daniel Oturu, while Maccabi relied on smart tactics, discipline in the paint, attacking Micic, and controlling the offensive glass.

Dimitris Itoudis improved Hapoel’s chances by switching to a permanent big lineup, using Ish Wainright to guard Sorkin and Ginat or Blayzer on aggressive Oshae Brissett, but it was not enough. Fatigue mattered, with Maccabi using seven players and Hapoel seven or eight, and both coaches had to manage minutes carefully. In the end, Maccabi’s title stood, the crowds at Yad Eliyahu were praised for their support, and the piece closed by saying both teams made the public’s standards higher for next season.