Jared Harper’s Three-Pointer Leads Jerusalem to Championship Finals
Remarkable Comeback in Decisive Game
In an unforgettable display of resilience, the Hapoel Jerusalem basketball team, led by coach Jonathan Alon, staged a remarkable comeback against Hapoel Tel Aviv in the decisive Game 3 of their playoff series. Overcoming a daunting 16-point deficit, Jerusalem secured an 86-83 victory with a last-minute three-pointer from Jared Harper, advancing to the championship finals for the first time since their title-winning season in 2016-2017.
Game Highlights
The game began with Hapoel Tel Aviv taking control, thanks in part to strong performances from Antonio Blakeney and Marcus Foster, who propelled their team to a jaw-dropping 16-0 run at the start of the second half. For much of the match, Jerusalem struggled to find their footing, giving little indication of the dramatic turnaround that would unfold.
However, the game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the final quarter. Rui Heuber, who joined the team mid-season, provided a crucial spark with ten rapid-fire points early in the period. Just when Jerusalem seemed to be gaining traction, Harper emerged as a pivotal player after a quiet three quarters, delivering an outstanding performance that included 12 points in the final quarter alstart.
The Climactic Final Moments
With just ten seconds remaining on the clock, it appeared that Hapoel Tel Aviv might force overtime after a score by Yam Mador, who returned from injury. But Harper’s decisive moment came just before the buzzer, as he nailed a challenging pull-up three-pointer from nearly a meter outside the arc, cementing the victory as the ball swished through the net with 1.1 seconds to spare.
The dramatic finish left Hapoel Tel Aviv with little time to respond, as Blakeney’s last-second attempt from beyond half-court fell short. The celebration commenced for the Jerusalem players and fans, marking a historic victory not only for the team but also sending a message of resilience and determination to the basketball community.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Hapoel Jerusalem is set to face their long-time rivals, Maccabi Tel Aviv, in the finals, scheduled to commence on Monday. This series promises to be another chapter in the storied rivalry, with Jerusalem aiming to reclaim the championship title.
On the other hand, Hapoel Tel Aviv concluded a remarkable season filled with highs and eventual heartbreak. While they celebrated their first European title with a EuroCup victory, they will have to wait longer for their first league championship since 1969, leaving their fans with mixed emotions.
As the basketball season draws to a close, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting finals series, showcasing rivalries and talent at its highest level