Hapoel defeated PAOK and secured promotion to the top 16

Hapoel won today (Wednsday) against PAOK Thessaloniki with a score of 71:61, securing the first place in the group stage of the Champions League and advancing to the Top 16. Hapoel enjoyed an excellent performance by Chris Johnson (16 points), who brought a fighting spirit, defense, and energy to the game. Next week, Hapoel will play against Benfica Lisbon in Belgrade at the Aleksandar Nikoli? Arena.

Apart from the practical importance of the game, it is particularly special for another reason. This game is the first of two in which Hapoel, as part of an exciting and special project, is flying families who lost their loved ones in the war we are currently in, loyal fans of Hapoel, to the team's home games in Belgrade. The families of Carol, Nahari, and Engel, including Ofir Engel, a fan who was abducted to Gaza and recently released, attended this game.

Hapoel for the families

Course of the game

1st Quarter

Hapoel opens with Speedy Smith, Or Cornelius, Levi Randolph, Oz Blayzer, and Zack Hankins. Hapoel didn't start well in the game and struggled to find its offensive rhythm. Speedy Smith, with a three-pointer and an assist towards the end of the quarter, was the first to find the hoop in red. This move opened up the scoring for Jerusalem, adding some impressive defensive plays, leading to a 7-0 run. Hankins put significant pressure on the Greek defense, and Chacha and Johnson, both coming off the bench, initiated the post-up option for Hapoel. On the defensive end, the advantage was in speed for PAOK. The first quarter, characterized by balance, ended tied at 16:16.

Speedy. Set good mumentum

2nd Quarter
Hapoel started the second quarter with Brynton Lemar, Khadeen Carrington, Yovel Zoosman, Chris Johnson, and Gabi Chachashvili. The Reds opened exceptionally well, utilizing Chris Johnson's smart plays and impressive offensive moves by Bryton Lemar when the Greeks took a timeout. Hapoel continued to exploit its size advantage with post-up plays and rebound control, while PAOK mainly relied on three-pointers. Thessaloniki began pressing and tightening the defense, but Speedy Smith continued to sew a three-pointer from half the court, increasing the lead to double digits. Unsportsmanlike foul and poor free-throw percentages slightly brought PAOK closer, with Hapoel leading 33:30 at halftime.

Chris and brynton. Stars from the bench

3rd Quarter
Hapoel opened the third quarter with Speedy Smith, Khadeen Carrington, Levi Randolph, Oz Blayzer, and Zack Hankins. Jerusalem continued with the same strategy, ensuring the ball entered the basket with every opportunity through post-ups by Hankins and Randolph. As the Greeks remained persistent and close, the Hapoel advantage was furthered by exploiting their size. The fast-paced game continued, fueled by the energy Chris brought to the court. The quarter ended with Hapoel leading 54:40.

Chris Johnson. Everywhere on the court

4th Quarter

Hapoel started the fourth quarter with Speedy Smith, Brynton Lemar, Levi Randolph, Chris Johnson, and Gaby Chachashvili. In contrast to the previous quarter, the final quarter opened with a very fast pace as PAOK managed to score points in the game's flow. Offensively, Hapoel continued from where it left off with Randolph and Johnson providing efficient points. A drop in Hapoel's shooting percentages allowed PAOK to reduce the lead to single digits, prompting Alexander Dzikic to take a quick timeout. Randolph broke PAOK's offensive momentum with a crucial three-pointer, giving Hapoel breathing room. The Greeks tried to close the gap, but a vital basket by Khadeen Carrington restored the lead to 7 points, less than a minute before the end. The game concluded with Hapoel winning 71:61.

Dzikic and Randolph

In the upcoming Saturday, Hapoel will face Hapoel Galil Elyon in the Pais Arena, hosting their first home game of the season. Tickets for the game are sold out, with 1,000 subscribers securing their place to watch the team in Arna for the first time this season.