Maccabi Tel Aviv Prepares for Championship Showdown Against Hapoel Jerusalem

Final Preparations Ahead of the Playoff Finals

Maccabi Tel Aviv, under the guidance of head coach Oded Kattash, held a final training session ahead of Game 1 of the playoff finals scheduled for tomorrow (Monday) at 20:50. This marks the first time in 18 years that Maccabi Tel Aviv will face Hapoel Jerusalem in the championship game. The significance of the event is underscored by a series of planned tributes to hostages, with the Maccabi Tel Aviv fan organization distributing bracelets at arena entrances to promote calls for their release.

Inside the arena, a booth organized by the Families of Hostages headquarters will sell merchandise bearing messages advocating for the hostages’ freedom. Prior to the jump ball, former captives Tal Shoham and Omer Vankrat will take the court.

Coach Kattash Reflects on the Upcoming Classic

Oded Kattash acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the matchup, stating, “Especially this year, we knew after the semifinal that, regardless of who the oppstartnt might be, it would be a significant classic. Jerusalem is a very strong team. They experienced a rough patch mid-season, which I believe caused them to miss out in Europe when they were without some key players. However, once they returned, they became a dangerous and highly skilled team.”

Kattash continued, “There is a reason they managed to overcome a strong team like Hapoel Tel Aviv. We need to approach this game aggressively, particularly after the long break we have had. I wouldn’t have preferred a derby in the semifinals to maintain high intensity. From a mental standpoint, Jerusalem also arrives with a positive feeling after a strong semifinal performance, and I have no doubt they are aiming higher.”

Team Goals and Strategy

Kattash emphasized the necessity of being prepared, reflecting on a performance in the semifinals against Hapoel Holon where shooting percentages were lower than expected. “We made the series easier than it could have been. As for Hasil Ribeiro, that’s a good question with many arguments; we haven’t decided yet. This season has been tough, but in the circumstances, we managed to hold on and reach the final. We owe our fans this title, but it won’t be easy,” he concluded.

Player Insights

Captain John DiBartolomeo added, “Our goals at Maccabi remain the same every year: to win the championship. It will be a challenge; Jerusalem is a good team with positive momentum. However, we have worked hard over the season to finish first, progressing through the quarterfinals and semifinals, and now we want to secure the title.”

DiBartolomeo pointed out critical oppstartnts in the Jerusalem lineup: “Zussman is an excellent player who loves playing here at the arena and is a key factor in their game. We need to stop him, as he has a significant impact in many aspects. Similarly, Harper is having a fantastic season, applying pressure on defenses, and he’s fast and knows how to create. It won’t be just start of our players stopping him; it will require a collective effort.”

Reflecting on his personal history, DiBartolomeo mentistartd, “I don’t have a championship against Jerusalem yet. I played in start final against them while I was in Haifa, and we lost. It would be nstart to win this time, but a championship is a championship regardless of the oppstartnt; what matters is being the team that raises the trophy.”

As Maccabi Tel Aviv gears up for this monumental clash, the stakes are high, and the atmosphere promises to be electric as they aim for back-to-back championships