The Israeli basketball finals between Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv were thrown into uncertainty this week, as the ongoing military conflict between Iran and Israel forced the indefinite postponement of the decisive Game 3. The move comes amid rising security concerns following Iranian missile attacks on central Israel – some landing near Tel Aviv, where most Maccabi players live – prompting the league to relocate the team and pause training as the country braces for further escalation.
Just hours before the postponement, Hapoel Jerusalem had forced a winner-take-all third game with a dramatic 77-74 overtime win in the capital. Jared Harper, the league MVP, scored 26 points and dominated the extra period, sending the series back to Tel Aviv tied at 1-1. But celebrations quickly gave way to anxiety as sirens echoed across central Israel and the specter of war overshadowed the sports world.
The third game had been scheduled for Sunday night at Yad Eliyahu Arena, but with the Home Front Command imposing new safety guidelines, the Israel Basketball League announced the final would be postponed.
“We are working with the authorities to find an alternative date... in order to allow the game to take place safely and as soon as possible,” the league said in a statement. “The championship will be decided, as it should be – on the court.”
For now, whether and how the championship will be decided remains an open question. The league is reportedly exploring multiple options, including playing the game without fans in Tel Aviv, relocating to a different city, or – most controversially – declaring co-champions. Maccabi Tel Aviv, which earned home-court advantage over the course of a dominant regular season, is said to be strongly opposed to any solution that doesn’t involve playing Game 3 in front of their fans.
The situation has been particularly jarring for Maccabi players, many of whom – especially their international contingent – live in neighborhoods that were targeted during the missile barrages. The team has since relocated to a secure facility in northern Israel, and while training has resumed on an optional basis, the psychological toll is evident.
“It’s no guarantee that we’ll even have our fans for the last game,” said head coach Oded Katash. “We played all season for home court, but now the mental aspect comes into play.”
Hapoel Jerusalem, meanwhile, has embraced a defiant tone. Team owner Matan Adelson shared a passionate message on social media, urging the league to ensure the championship is decided in a manner that honors the resilience of the Israeli people.
“To cancel Game 3 now would send the wrong message,” Adelson wrote. “It would say that fear controls us. And that’s not the Israeli way… Let the game be played. Not in spite of the moment, but because of it. Am Yisrael Chai.”
Suspending all games, youth national team practices due to security threat
The conflict has also disrupted the national basketball infrastructure. The Israel Basketball Association announced a suspension of all games and youth national team practices due to the security threat, with the Under-19 team’s trip to the World Championships now in doubt. Chairman Amos Frishman and CEO Ron Skitel remain in ongoing contact with the military authorities.
While the gravity of the national emergency weighs heavily on players and staff, both teams are trying to stay focused on the basketball itself.
“This was a character win,” Hapoel coach Yonatan Alon said of Game 2. “Now we have to finish the job.”
Maccabi’s Levi Randolph was confident.
“Basketball is a game of runs. They made one at the right time. Now we have to regroup – if we get the chance.”
Khadeen Carrington, who scored 15 points and helped orchestrate the dramatic alley-oop that sent the game to overtime, summed up the mood best.
“Staying grounded is key. But it’s hard when everything around you is shaking.”
With missiles falling and the sirens still fresh in the players’ ears, the future of the season – and what a championship would even mean under such circumstances – remains uncertain. What is clear is that the war has already taken its toll far beyond the basketball court.a