Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem demonstrate a dominant dominance that has not been seen for years in the Premier League, probably not concurrently • With 5 losses in common, it seems that in order to beat them this season needs mostly luck • Tonight (21:00) Arena we expect a fine Classic, one of which must lose

• Brown. The anchor of the Reds from the capital

  Photo:

  Alan Shaver

• Wilkin. The fervor of the recent encounter against Jerusalem

  Photo:

  Alan Shaver

1. For many years the league has not had such a definite dominance from two teams at the same time. In fact, for a long time in Israel, there was no group in Israel that demonstrated supremacy like the Maccabi of the season, and perhaps Hapoel Jerusalem.

The two have held 40 games and only five losses in common - 87.5 percent success. And if you go into detail, the only loss for Maccabi Tel Aviv was in an away game against Hapoel Eilat, which took place two days after a big fight against Real Madrid, and on a particularly lacking roster. 40 hours after a critical European game against Burgos.

At the National Cup, Hapoel Jerusalem did not lose all the way to the title. Why didn't Maccabi Tel Aviv finish? Because she met Hapoel Jerusalem early and lost by two points.

Cohen is surrounded by Elijah at the previous meeting. Tonight will be tight too? // Photo by Alan Shiber

2. Further evidence of the gaps larger than the other groups can be seen in the astronomical basket differences of the two. Maccabi Tel Aviv at +314 and Jerusalem at 206+. To understand, only two other groups hold a positive basket difference: Maccabi Rashab (105+) and Maccabi Haifa (18+).

Of the 19 wins for the Yellows, 16 were in double digits, six in more than 20 differentials. The Reds have 10 wins in double digits (out of 16), three of them in more than 30 differentials.

For the yellows and reds, the league's best offense with an average of 90.2 and 89.6 points respectively. Janis Spropoulos's team absorbs the least (74.5), while Oded Ketch ranks third in defense (79.4), with Maccabi Rashab separating them (75.8). The gap efficiency index is also reflected - Maccabi Tel Aviv with 112.2 points , Second Jerusalem with 105.8. Besides, the only group that managed to reach 100 was Ness Ziona Urban.

Interestingly, despite the impressive group success of both clubs, this is not reflected in the special personal honors of the team stars. Both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem do not have a representative in the first quota in points, index and rebounds. Assists Jacob Brown and Tamir Blatt place 4 and 5 on the other hand. In the plus-minus index, the first 12 places belong to the players in yellow and red. Of those notable gaps.

Blatt and Brown. Staffing the league table top assists // Photo: Alan Shaver

3. In Europe, too, they provide a great season. Maccabi Tel Aviv ranks fourth in the Euroleague with a balance of 19 wins (ten of them in double digits) and nine losses.

Hapoel Jerusalem is considered to be the best team in the FIBA ​​Champions League. Percentage of the field and penalty line.

Levy tries to stop Wilbkin in the Winner Cup final. Expect another warm evening // Photo: Alan Shiber

4. The three games this season between the teams have provided us with quality and fine basketball. The Winner Cup final ended at 83:84 for Jerusalem after close play and great drama, much like the quarterfinals from which the Reds emerged with their hands on top after a crazy 40 minutes and a memorable 90:92.

In the league game the story was slightly different. Hapoel Jerusalem provided a tremendous defensive first half, stopping Maccabi Tel Aviv on home turf by 36 points 20 minutes later.

The near and distant history, the rivalry, the luxury that is at stake, and no less important - the great quality of both teams, should set us another fine meeting. How good it would be for 9,000 viewers to see it all up close.