The worst thing that happened to Hapoel Jerusalem after beating Tenerife in the semi-finals was that Telecom Bonn beat Malaga in the second semi-final. If Malaga had made it to the final, Jerusalem would have reached the final in the position it likes best: from the position of underdog. Since the German team was promoted, Jerusalem came out of the position that was most comfortable for it - in this situation it was difficult for it for the job, it was difficult for it to do what it was best at.
It is not for nothing that Aleksandar Dzikic fought before the game to make it clear that Jerusalem is not a favorite. It didn't help, after Jerusalem eliminated one favorite - Tenerife and Bonn a second favorite (Malaga), something in the attitude changed and Jerusalem just didn't work out when it didn't come from the very bottom.
Aleksandar Dzikic and Speedy Smith. There is no trophy, there is a lot of pride, photo: FIBA website
And from the mental aspect to the professional aspect. Jerusalem has tactically dismantled all season and especially in the semi-finals the game of its rivals. This time they dismantled her game. It ended 7 differential, but it was in full German control from the start of the game. Take an example: On paper, Zach Hankins is better than any of Boone's chins. In practice, they made him not be a factor in the game.
If Jerusalem had won, it would have been a big deal. When Telecom Bon wins, it's a Cinderella story. Out of nowhere, the German club that was considered mediocre at best came to the point of conquering the Champions League in a dizzying season of only four defeats in the league and in Europe.
The team that gave a lesson to this entire league got a lesson on its own this time. The group that taught defense learned defense this time. We learned a lot from Jerusalem during the season about character, about defense, about tactical abilities, and on this evening it was Boone who gave a lesson. A lesson in how to take an almost anonymous bunch, with strangers who came from small leagues to the tops.
Hapoel Jerusalem and Chomsky on the podium, photo: Champions League
The secret is a big hunger, a coach on takeoff and one big player who also comes from the bottom - T.J. Shorts. The MVP of the season and the Finals gave a show, in other words, saying: See you in the Euroleague. Also write down the name: Thomas Isalo. We will meet Bonn's Finnish coach at the highest levels in the future.
This is the first time this season that Jerusalem has failed in a money-time game. Every time it mattered, Jerusalem won. Until yesterday. Each time, Jerusalem managed to neutralize the rival star, even when it came to big guns. Until yesterday.
Zach Hankins tries to digest, photo: FIBA Champions League
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But despite all that has been written, there is no quarter claim to Jerusalem. Yesterday's loss won't erase a magical season the team has had in the capital. The defeat in the final will not erase the great journey it has made. A season of maximizing capabilities and potential. Answers gloriously. An exciting season. Who dreamed at the stuttering start of the season that it would end 40 minutes from a European title. Telecom Bon is a group from which you can learn. This season of Jerusalem also has a lot to learn.
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