Maccabi Tel Aviv celebrates the crushing 80: 101 over Hapoel Jerusalem, Wilbkin after the great show: "Doing the best for the team" • Caspi's participation in the Cup derby will be determined after consultation with the doctors • And also: the purchasing dilemma
The Yellows are happy
Photography:
Alan Shiver
1.
Great satisfaction with Maccabi Tel Aviv after the 80: 101 last night (Thursday) over Hapoel Jerusalem, thanks to which they rose to first place in the table.
"In the way we approached the game we showed that even though it is a back-to-back game, after a tough game in the Euroleague, we know how to come and play a team game, with smart ball movement on offense, and good defensive play," said Yannis Sapropoulos at the end. "After the first quarter, we raised the defensive ability, we opened a double-digit gap and it continued in the second half. We deserved to win 100 percent. We need to enjoy the victory, and be ready to continue."
2.
Most of the focus of course was concentrated on Scotty Wilbkin who apparently heard the criticism of his mistakes in the game against Zenit and exploded with 29 points in a huge range of threes (8 of 13 off the arc).
"As always I try to do my best, take good shots and do what the team needs me to do," Wilbkin said at the end. "We played well on defense and offense. We were good in the whole game, 40 minutes. On Sunday we have another cup game and we will try to beat It".
3.
Omri Caspi played for the first time since coming back from injury two games within 48 hours, and Maccabi satisfied that he did not feel the load on the knee and looks good.
During the concluding training session on Saturday, the professional team will decide in consultation with the medical team and the player himself whether he will be on the squad for the quarterfinals of the State Cup against Hapoel Tel Aviv or will be rested for the game against Alba Berlin next week.
It is estimated that Caspi will be on the roster, but his playing minutes may be limited.
4.
Othello Hunter's injury bothers Maccabi Tel Aviv who are considering the possibility of adding a acquisition player, although at the moment there do not seem to be suitable candidates, because the team is debating which player profile to bring - whether a third center that will be a backup or try to find a better player That will contribute significantly to a game in which Hunter is not registered or if Ante Žižić continues to have difficulty in some games.