Micic masterclass keeps Hapoel Tel Aviv alive
How the game unfolded
Hapoel Tel Aviv pulled out a 78-72 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in Game 3 of the Israeli League Finals, cutting the series to 2-1 and keeping their hopes alive.
The visitors were shorthanded — Maccabi played without Lonnie Walker and Marcio Santos, while Daniel Oturu didn’t suit up for Hapoel. Despite that, Dimitris Itoudis’ side started the game strongly, with Vasilije Micic immediately imposing himself for the Reds. Jaylen Hoard and Oshae Brissett answered on the other end, but Yam Madar closed the first quarter with a five-point burst, including a buzzer-beating three, to put Hapoel ahead 25-20.
In the second quarter Maccabi struggled to find rhythm and Hapoel stretched the lead to as much as 12 points. The half ended with a mini duel from deep between Micic and Iffe Lundberg; both traded threes, but Hapoel kept a 43-36 advantage at the break.
The third quarter opened with Lundberg drilling a three, yet Maccabi then went nearly six minutes without a field goal. Hapoel couldn’t fully capitalize on that drought, and Jimmy Clark sparked a late charge that nearly erased the deficit — the score was a tight 56-55 heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw runs from both teams and several lead changes. Maccabi briefly led with under five minutes to go after an and-one by Brissett, but Micic answered with two big threes. Maccabi couldn’t score for the next four minutes, and Hapoel held on down the stretch.
Stats and standout performances
Micic finished with a game-high 29 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the win and making clutch shots when it mattered. Tai Odiase and Ish Wainright each chipped in 12 points for Hapoel. For Maccabi, Jimmy Clark led the way with 22 points and Lundberg added 15.
With the series now at 2-1, the next game takes on added importance for both teams as they head into a pivotal matchup.
