Maccabi Tel Aviv continued their strong form with a hard-fought 95-84 home win against arch-rivals Hapoel Jerusalem in a marquee Ligat HaAl clash on January 12, 2026. In a game that lived up to its billing as one of Israeli basketball's premier fixtures, Maccabi used a strong third-quarter surge to create separation and hold off a persistent Jerusalem challenge. The atmosphere was electric from tip-off, with both teams trading baskets in a high-paced first half. After halftime, Maccabi's defensive intensity ramped up, leading to several fast-break opportunities that allowed them to build a double-digit lead. Hapoel Jerusalem fought valiantly, cutting the deficit multiple times behind sharp three-point shooting, but could never fully close the gap. The victory was crucial for Maccabi Tel Aviv in maintaining pressure at the top of the league table, while for Hapoel Jerusalem it represented a missed opportunity in a major head-to-head battle. The starting lineups featured the full array of star talent from both historic clubs.