Maccabi Tel Aviv took a significant step toward a third consecutive championship after defeating Hapoel Jerusalem 91:88 in the first game of the playoff finals series, taking a 1:0 lead. The Yellows are now one victory away from lifting the trophy and completing their first double since the 2020/21 season. Jaylen Hoard led Maccabi Tel Aviv's scorers with 18 points, while Roman Sorkin added 14. The second game in the series will take place this Thursday at the Pais Arena in Jerusalem.