A tribute before the playoffs
Maccabi Tel Aviv routed Bnei Herzliya 137-75 in a playoff‑preparatory contest, a result highlighted by eight different players reaching double‑figure scoring and a 33‑11 first‑quarter surge that set the tone for the evening.
The victory unfolded against a backdrop of mourning after the death of Raz Adam, the 26‑year‑old guard for Hapoel Galil Elyon, whose passing has resonated throughout the league. Oded Katash spoke of Gur Lavy’s successful return from injury, while Herzliya coach Yehu Orland admitted his side’s struggle and the need for rapid improvement before the playoffs.
Hapoel Tel Aviv also claimed an 81‑75 win over Ness Ziona, with Ish Wainright leading the scoring at 18 points and using the platform to pay tribute to Adam, expressing personal happiness at returning to Israel. Dimitrios Itoudis, coaching Ness Ziona, praised his team’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The broader slate of games featured Maccabi Rishon Lezion’s 93‑78 triumph over Maccabi Ra’anana, where Josh Freund contributed 20 points. The Maccabi Tel Aviv roster, which includes Tamir Blatt, Iffe Lundberg, Will Rayman, Justin Edler‑Davis, Lonnie Walker, David Efianayi, Jaylen Hoard, Oren Sahar, John DiBartolomeo, Tamir Gold, Yam Madar, Levi Randolph, Bryce Brown, James Akinjo, Chaunce Jenkins, Matt Coleman and Guy Kaplan, showcased a depth of talent that will be tested in the forthcoming make‑up fixture.
The scheduled encounter between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv will therefore serve not only as a logistical adjustment but also as a collective moment of remembrance for Adam and a gauge of each team’s readiness as the playoffs loom.