Hapoel Jerusalem asserted their dominance in the Ligat HaAl with a commanding 97–81 victory over Elizzur Maccabi Netanya on May 7, 2026, at the Netanya Arena. The visitors took control from the opening tip and never looked back, extending their winning streak and tightening their grip on the top of the standings.

Match Overview

From the first quarter, Hapoel Jerusalem’s depth and efficiency overwhelmed a hard‑fighting Netanya side. The guests shot 52% from the field and converted 14 of 30 three‑point attempts, while their defense forced 15 turnovers that led to 22 fast‑break points. Netanya, led by their veteran guard rotation, tried to stay within striking distance but was unable to contain Jerusalem’s balanced attack.

The match was played at a high tempo, with both teams pushing the ball in transition. However, Jerusalem’s superior half‑court execution and rebounding advantage (a +12 margin on the boards) proved decisive.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: Jerusalem opened with a 14–2 run, built on three consecutive three‑pointers, and led 28–18 after the first 10 minutes.
• Netanya’s Brief Fightback: Early in the second quarter, Elizzur cut the deficit to six points (35–29) behind a pair of three‑point plays, but Jerusalem responded with a 9–0 spurt before halftime.
• Unbreakable Lead: The visitors stretched the margin to 20 points in the third quarter (68–48) and never allowed Netanya to close within single digits thereafter.

Standout Performers

Hapoel Jerusalem: Their backcourt was electric, with the starting point guard recording 22 points and 8 assists while hitting 4 of 6 from deep. The team’s leading scorer came off the bench, pouring in 24 points on 9‑of‑13 shooting. A key frontcourt presence added a double‑double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the defense.

Elizzur Maccabi Netanya: Despite the loss, two Netanya players reached double figures. The home team’s shooting guard finished with 19 points, and their power forward contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds. However, the team struggled from beyond the arc (28%) and committed 15 turnovers, making it difficult to mount a serious challenge.

Tactical Story

Hapoel Jerusalem’s game plan revolved around ball movement and exploiting mismatches. They ran a five‑out offense that pulled Netanya’s big men away from the basket, creating driving lanes for perimeter players. Defensively, they switched aggressively on screens and trapped the pick‑and‑roll, forcing Netanya into difficult jump shots. In contrast, Netanya relied heavily on isolation plays, which resulted in low‑percentage shots and limited ball rotation.

Impact on the Ligat HaAl Standings

With this win, Hapoel Jerusalem improved to a league‑best 24‑4 record, maintaining a two‑game lead over second‑place Hapoel Tel Aviv. The victory also extended their road winning streak to eight games. For Elizzur Maccabi Netanya, the defeat dropped them to 12–16, leaving them in ninth place and in a tight battle for the final playoff spot. The team will need to address their defensive consistency if they hope to climb back into contention.

Looking Ahead

Hapoel Jerusalem returns home to host Maccabi Haifa next week, while Elizzur Maccabi Netanya travels to face Bnei Herzliya in a must‑win matchup. Based on this performance, Jerusalem remains the team to beat in the Ligat HaAl, blending depth, shooting, and defensive tenacity.