The Israel Basketball Association Court has ordered a full replay of the first‑half semifinal clash between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem after the game was abruptly halted by an Iranian attack and a shift in Home Front Command guidelines.
Hapoel Jerusalem’s owner, Matan Adelson, welcomed the decision, calling the circumstances extraordinary, while also pointing out that the league has not fully backed the replay request.
The forced pause has left the Jerusalem side shorthanded, with several imported players having departed the country, meaning the team is now fielding a thinner roster for the remainder of the series.
Game 2 delivers a thriller
In the subsequent Game 2, Hapoel Tel Aviv edged Hapoel Jerusalem 88‑84, capped by a clutch three‑pointer from Vasilije Micic that sealed the win. Yam Madar led the victors with 25 points, while Ish Wainright contributed 21, Chris Jones added 15 and Micic finished with 14.
Jerusalem’s lineup featured Khadeen Carrington with 16 points, Cassius Winston with 13 and Justin Smith with 12, but the team could not overcome the late surge from Tel Aviv. Coach Dimitrios Itoudis praised his squad’s resilience, whereas Jerusalem coach Yonatan Alon reflected on the season’s challenges, and Eitan Burg of Jerusalem expressed respect for the foreign players who stayed and performed under pressure.