Six long years have passed since the last time that Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv fought directly for a title.
Tonight (Thursday) at Hafis Arena in the capital, the Reds will meet again against the Yellows for a meeting that already years ago received the obligatory nickname - the classic of Israeli basketball.
Both were clear favorites in the semi-finals and finally did what was assigned to them, but while Maccabi did it relatively comfortably against Nes Ziona, Jerusalem worked very hard against Hapoel Haifa and won only after a thriller.
In preparation for the intriguing confrontation between the two, we have compiled from it the professional advantages of the yellows.
may be offset in several ways.
Quarterback: Speedy Smith vs. Lorenzo Brown
The Jerusalemite is considered a good center in the FIBA Champions League, and the Tel Avivian is considered a top center in the Euroleague. The Red is a little unstable - the Yellow is the anchor of Maccabi, and his control of the team is much greater than the opponent in front of him. The host is better defensively, the guest has the physical advantage.
Bottom line: a big advantage for Maccabi Tel Aviv
Smith and Brown, photography: Danny Maron, Alan Shiver
Scorer: Kadin Carrington vs. Wade Baldwin
The difference between the two is in the nature of the game.
While the Jerusalemite is built on his ability to score points and produces mainly for himself, the Tel Avivite also plays in position 1 (mainly when Brown is on the bench), manages a game and produces for others.
On the defensive side - Baldwin surpasses Carrington.
Bottom line: an advantage for Maccabi Tel Aviv
Carrington and Baldwin, photography: Danny Maron, Alan Shiver
Small forward: Leway Randolph against Bonzie Coulson
In this position too, these are two players with different styles.
The Jerusalemite is an outside player, who can also play in the shooting position.
Under Ketesh, the Tel Avivian, who combines positions 3 and 4, is less of a scorer than he used to be, and feeds on sacrifice and defensive moves.
While the red gives Jerusalem a lot of stability and its importance to a large team, the yellow surpasses it in the skills package.
Bottom line: an advantage for Maccabi Tel Aviv
Randolph and Coulson, photography: Danny Maron, Maor Alxalsi
Power-Forward: Marks Meiris vs. Jarl Martin
Red plays closer to the basket, and contributes more in rebounding and the defensive game, but is not involved enough in the attack.
Goes out more and is constantly looking for the shot for 3, but he is a mediocre rebounder.
What they both have in common: position number 4 was the relative weak point throughout the year in both teams.
Bottom line: equality
Myers and Martin, photography: Danny Maron, Alan Shiver
Center: Zach Hankins vs. Josh Nieveau
One of the most important match-ups, in which Jerusalem can produce an advantage and dominance.
Hankins is physically strong, an excellent rebounder and knows how to create for himself and play back to the basket.
He is probably the most significant player in Džikić's system.
On the other hand, Nivo is indeed a great athlete, but he lacks technique in the paint area and they need to create shooting situations for him.
Bottom line: a big advantage for Jerusalem
Hankins and Nebo, photo: Alan Shiver
Coach: Alexander Dzikic against Oded Ketch
For the Serbian coach, this is the first cup tournament in Israel.
Ketch has already won two trophies here, along with one championship.
Both coaches will do everything for their teams to improve in ability compared to the semi-finals, but the feeling is that Džikić's control in Jerusalem is better.
The coach knew how to bring his team to the decisive games, and order and discipline are important in such a stressful game.
Bottom line: equality
Dzikic and Ketch, photography: Liron Moldovan, Alan Shiver
Bench/rest of the squad
First of all, it must be noted that in the games in Israel there is a requirement for one Israeli player in the five.
Therefore one of those mentioned here will open;
In Jerusalem it is likely to be Or Cornelius, at Maccabi these are: John DiBartholomew, Yeftah Ziv, Rafi Manko, Roman Sorkin, Jake Cohen and Guy Panini.
At Yerushalayim: Cornelius, Itai Segev, Oz Blazer, Noam Yaakov and TG Klein.
The yellow bench is better quality and deeper, and it should be noted that in Jerusalem Klein only arrived and did not participate in the semi-finals.
On the other hand, the bench has won the last two games for the Reds.
Bottom line: an advantage for Maccabi
Dibartholomew.
The X Factor, photo: Maor Alxalsi
In conclusion:
In terms of quality and depth - this is Maccabi.
On the other hand, Jerusalem has the home advantage.
The pressure on her against Hapoel Haifa has decreased, and she is coming into the season great for big games and wins every game she has to take - so everything is open.
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us
