By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Amidst the turmoil in Israel’s Winner League Playoffs 2026, the landscape is forced into crisis mode as foreign athletes flee. Despite the chaos, the league decided to continue the postseason according to schedule, prompting deep dismay from Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv’s Lonnie Walker IV.
“We are deeply disappointed and frustrated with the league’s decision to continue with the game as scheduled tonight. After a sleepless night, constant stress, nonstop calls from our families, uncertainty about what comes next, and memories of similar situations in the past, we do not feel ready to play, neither mentally nor physically,” the 27-year-old American shooting guard shared players’ reactions on an Instagram story on Monday.
“We are not robots. We are human beings dealing with fear, concern for our loved ones, and a reality that is affecting every aspect of our lives,” added Walker. “With so much uncertainty and a complete lack of rest, stepping onto the court is not only difficult, it is unsafe. We believe our health, safety, and well-being must come first.”
Nevertheless, the league is moving forward with Monday’s matchup between Maccabi and Hapoel Netanel Holon behind closed doors at the Menora Mivtachim Arena.
Winner League Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best-of-three)
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv – Hapoel Altshuler Shaham Beer Sheva/Dimona 2-0 (106-90, 108-83)
Bnei Penlink Herzliya – Hapoel Netanel Holon 0-2 (73-84, 84-99)
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv – Maccabi Tapuzina Rishon LeZion 2-1 (74-82, 95-69, 96-83)
Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem – Hapoel Gilat Telecom Haemek 2-0 (82-71, 98-91)
Semifinals (best-of-five)
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv – Hapoel Netanel Holon
Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv – Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem
Finals (best-of-five)
Semifinals winners
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