Jerusalem Triumphs Over Tel Aviv in Thrilling Overtime Clash

Key Victory in Final Series

On Thursday night, Hapoel Jerusalem secured a dramatic 74-77 victory against Maccabi Tel Aviv in a tightly contested game that extended into overtime, bringing the finals series of the Winner League to a decisive Game 3. The outcome not only heightened tensions but also set the stage for a championship showdown next week.

Coach’s Reflection

Following the nail-biting encounter, Hapoel Jerusalem’s head coach, Yonatan Alon, expressed his team’s determination. “In Game 3, we need to claim the championship. We wanted to make a basket at the end, but time was short, and we had to shoot from close range,” he noted. Alon emphasized the resilience of his squad, saying, “This team has amazing character, and the fans who supported us deserve this victory.”

Describing the game’s intensity, he remarked, “So many remarkable things happened during such a tightly contested match, and in the end, it went our way.” He also praised Jared Harper’s performance, stating, “Harper is exceptional. He can play even on start leg, which for him is probably enough.”

Player Perspectives

Jerusalem player Yuval Zussman shared his thoughts on the victory, highlighting the team’s belief and spirit in crucial moments. “I always believe and remain calm in these situations. The fatigue is evident, but we executed the small things well and showed character. We will aim to replicate this performance in the next game.” He acknowledged the challenge of Game 3 ahead and stressed the importance of improving their shooting percentages.

Reflecting on a key play that sent the game into overtime, Zussman remarked on a brilliant play call, saying, “Yonatan designed an incredible play that left Smith just a step from the basket to easily score. The pass was also great, and that saved us.”

Currently, Hapoel Jerusalem is calculating the right strategies for the upcoming decisive match, with Zussman asserting the need to remain aggressive and confident.

Smith’s Confidence

Justin Smith, another key player for Jerusalem, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s second-half performance. “We played well, especially in the second half. It’s been a long and tiring season, filled with injuries, and we feel we deserve to continue this series to a third game.” He emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “We are not a team that breaks under pressure and had a very good game. Now, we have nothing to lose; we have to do our job and win in the final game. Winning and claiming the championship is everything for me.”

As the excitement builds for the final clash, Hapoel Jerusalem looks to rely on its strong character and determination to secure the championship against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The basketball community eagerly anticipates the thrilling conclusion of this championship series next week