On the red carpet: Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Jerusalem 80: 104 Israel today

Fans of the industry like to call the game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem as a classic of Israeli basketball, but tonight's game (Saturday) between the Yellows and Reds was the furthest from a classic.

Maccabi Tel Aviv's 80: 104 over the weak team in red did not mention in any way the great battles to which we have become accustomed over the years.

The unexpected loss to Gilboa / Galil last week (and also the last quarter against Panathinaikos) may have slightly dimmed the fact that Yannis Sapropoulos' team is improving after a bad season opener.

The victories over Wheelerban and Panathinaikos put the Yellows back on track in the Euroleague and also gave a taste of their great potential.

Scotty Wilbkin (18 points) who has suffered from weak shooting ability in recent games has recovered and exploded, almost like every time he meets the team from the capital.

The fact that James Nanley removes some of the offensive burden helps him.

Maccabi Tel Aviv celebrates in the hall,

Maccabi Tel Aviv celebrates in the Clasico,

On the other hand, a not-so-good and mostly unbalanced group was built in Jerusalem this year.

The Reds have nothing in color, and Oren Amiel's decision to leave Thon Maker out and share Anthony Bennett in his place did not help either.

Except for the first few minutes, the Jerusalemites were not in business and did not even endanger the hostess for a moment.

An important week in Europe awaits both teams.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is coming with positive momentum for the games against Zalgiris Kaunas and Barcelona that will mark the direction in the Euroleague. Hapoel Jerusalem will play away with Stal Ostrov when they must achieve their first victory in the Champions League.

Sapropolus with his captain, Photo: Alan Schieber

Scotty Weibelkin vs. Hapoel Jerusalem, Photo: Alan Shiver

Jake Cohen at the auditorium, Photo: Alan Schieber

The torches in the stands of Hapoel Jerusalem, Photo: Alan Shiber

Scotty Wilbkin hovers in the auditorium, Photo: Alan Schieber

Yiftach Ziv in the auditorium, Photo: Alan Shiver

The audience of Maccabi Tel Aviv celebrates in the hall, Photo: Alan Shiber