Micic and Madar Propel Hapoel Tel Aviv into Israeli League Final
Strong start and a decisive finish
Hapoel Tel Aviv wrapped up their semifinal series with an 89–81 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem in Game 3, completing a clean 3–0 sweep and booking a spot in the Israeli League final. The team came out aggressive — Vasilije Micic controlled the tempo while Yam Madar provided steady support, and Johnathan Motley added energy as the game progressed. After the first quarter the hosts held a narrow 21–19 lead.
Jerusalem stayed within striking distance thanks to contributions from Khadeen Carrington and Cassius Winston, but Micic and Madar answered their runs and Hapoel went into the break up 41–36. The third quarter saw Hapoel Jerusalem battle back behind Jared Harper and Justin Smith, leaving the score tied 66–66 heading into the fourth.
In the final period Chris Jones and Madar swung the momentum fully in Tel Aviv’s favor. The home side put together a double-digit run and never looked back, closing out the game and the series. Micic led the winners with 26 points, Madar added 22, and Nimrod Levi was Jerusalem’s top scorer with 22 points.
What’s next
Hapoel Tel Aviv will now wait to learn their opponent in the final. They’ll face the winner of the Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Hapoel Holon series, with Maccabi holding a 2–0 advantage at the moment. Tel Aviv will aim to carry the momentum and team balance they showed in the semifinals into the championship round.
