Out of the pressure: the transformation of Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel Tel Aviv went up 0:1 yesterday (Wednesday) in the quarterfinal playoff series against Iruni Nes Ziona – when the game developed like most of the Reds’ games in recent times: they started badly and fell behind by two digits early, but knew how to turn around and win 77:90. “We were under pressure and it was felt,” they said in Hapoel. “After the break something was released for us, we hope it will continue in the next games as well.”

Tomer Ginatwho excelled with 19 points, said: “We can’t look like we did in the first half, it didn’t feel good. We had a conversation before the second half and I’m glad we went into the second half well. We worked hard to be where we are and we had to step up, that’s the difference between The halves.”

The one who received a lot of compliments was Chinano Onuaku, who not only finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but also played an excellent defensive game and was mainly responsible for neutralizing the pick and roll between DJ Cooper and Jerome Mainsey. “Playing with Onwako is amazing,” Ginat said and also referred to the chief’s offensive abilities: “He is always looking to pass and we must use him, he was amazing for us.”

Now Hapoel Tel Aviv will prepare for game number 2, which will be held on Saturday in the heart of the colony, when due to the low ticket allocation – only 75 Hapoel fans will be able to purchase a ticket. J.P. Tokoto, who was not in the squad yesterday due to the sprained ankle, is also in doubt for the next game, while on the other hand, Idan Zalmanson’s recovery rate is satisfactory.

“I hope we will bring the energy of the second half to the next game, it felt good and right,” Ginat concluded. “We will make adjustments, understand what exactly happened in the first half and come to play basketball. We know we have to play 40 minutes together because there it will be a completely different story.”