The most important question in sports is when you peak. Hapoel Jerusalem was at its peak in April and the first half of May. Hapoel Tel Aviv peaked from mid-May into June. That's why Dani Franco's Reds are in the playoff final at the expense of Jerusalem. After losing the Champions League final, Jerusalem saw a significant decline in ability. Hapoel Tel Aviv, on the other hand, ended its European chapter in mid-April, so it had plenty of time to recover and get back to itself, Jerusalem still hadn't recovered after the peak it had.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is one of the most talented teams that have been here in years. The question was whether she could translate this talent into parquet and as it looks now, the answer is yes. It only happened that they realized that only because of talent would they not get to the real thing. The team's performance in the semi-finals clarified this internalization process. The team that won games all season through offense won this time on defense. In the regular season, she averaged 84 points. In the semifinals, she scored an average of 61 points.
Onuaku celebrates with the crowd, photo: Alan Shaver
When you have a wall on defense, the offense will take care of the rest. Hapoel Tel Aviv has so much quality in attack that every game someone else will come to you and give the show. In the first game it was Jordan McRae, yesterday it was Jacoben Brown who played on one leg because of injury. In the third quarter, he scored 18 of the team's 19 points. When you have so much depth, then every time someone else takes responsibility and suddenly a bench player like Jalen Hord can come along and be a big factor in winning.
Before the playoffs, Jerusalem beat Hapoel Tel Aviv three times in a row, all at the Shlomo Arena. The scenario was fixed: a strong opening, Chinano Onwuako getting into foul trouble, Carrington and Hankins at peak ability, a clear physical advantage and of course a strong defense that in two of the games did not allow Hapoel Tel Aviv to reach even 70 points.
Franco, Cinematography: Alan Shaver
In the semifinals, Hapoel Tel Aviv rewrote the script. Part of this scenario was based on the methods of Jerusalem. For the things Jerusalem has done to it, which is physicality and iron protection. An important part of the script: Look at how Onwuako looked in the three losses and what he looked like in the playoff semifinals.
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And one more thing must be said about Jerusalem. Even yesterday's impeachment won't change the esteem she deserves this season. It was a great season for the team from the capital. Winning a cup, a Champions League final, a defensive team that hasn't been seen here for years and quite a few highs and excitement can take them into the break with their heads held high.
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