Maccabi Tel Aviv takes on Hapoel Jerusalem in Israel State Cup semifinal action on Sunday (20:45) at Yad Eliyahu as both teams will vie for a place in the semifinals of the competition. Both teams have captured the Cup in recent years and will look to take home yet another piece of hardware for their collection.

The yellow-and-blue will come into the game without a number of crucial pieces to their puzzle with Iffe Lundberg potentially out of action after injuring his ankle in the Euroleague win over Bayern Munich, Lonnie Walker whose status has been murky for weeks since a shoulder injury and TJ Leaf who has surgery and will most probably out for the season.

However, one player that Oded Katash’s crew will have is Gur Lavy who started to take some critical steps in his young Maccabi career. Last season’s Israeli MVP has grabbed the opportunity that’s been given to him with both hands and he has quickly become a fan favorite after scoring a season high 23 points in the win over Maccabi Raanana as well as 5 massively important points in very limited minutes in a 111-106 overtime win over Bayern Munich.

Just ahead of the State Cup Classico semifinal showdown against Hapoel Jerusalem, Lavy spoke to The Sports Rabbi about his development, Maccabi’s huge overtime win over Bayern as well his thoughts about the upcoming clash that he will no doubt be a big part of.

“First of all, it’s a cup semifinal and a very, very important moment for the club. To reach the final and of course win the cup, we need to give everything. It’s a super high-level game with very high importance,” Lavy began.

As for beating Bayern in overtime just ahead of the Classico, Lavy was super thrilled with the result, “Wow, it’s the most exciting feeling in the world. I’m just happy we protected our home court, kept the winning streak at home and continued the positive momentum.”

Lavy was a big part of the win as it was during his first half minutes that helped build up a double digit lead and dropped a 3-pointer and a deuce that ignited the crowd, “It’s crazy. First of all, I was waiting for that moment. Yes, it’s a shame it happened because TJ is injured, but I’m happy I took the opportunity. Of course, when the three went in, the crowd lifted me up together with it and I’m so happy about it.”

Every game seems like Maccabi is living on the edge with one close victory after the next and that is without question is helping give Lavy an education, “First of all, it’s crazy, I’m still learning what it’s like at Maccabi, but the games are close and the teams are really good. That’s just the competition in the EuroLeague, I believe. Playing in overtime is never easy because everyone is tired and playing a lot of minutes. I’m happy we managed to rise to the occasion. It’s not the first time we’ve played overtime, so maybe that experience helped us.”

While the 3-point shooting in the game was out of this world, especially from Tamir Blatt and Will Rayman who went a combined 11/11, it was Jaylen Hoard, Jimmy Clark and Oshae Brissett who didn’t have their best game but came up clutch in the extra session to lead Maccabi to the victory.

“They’re our anchors,” Lavy explained. “Mainly defensively and we know what we get from them on the court in big baskets, Jaylen’s free throws and Oshae’s basket at the end. Even when he made one of two from the line, it led us to overtime. They’re our anchors and we trust them 100%.”

When the fans leapt to their feet when Lavy entered the game, it wasn’t hard to notice the soft spoken forward just take it all in and enjoy the moment, soaking it all in.

“First of all, from the moment I signed here, I’ve been part of the team, it’s not related to whether I play or not. Of course, in the games I didn’t play, I still wanted to contribute. I’m happy that recently, in the last few games, I’ve been able to contribute on the court as well, which makes me happy. I assume it makes the fans happy too and I hope I’m contributing positively.”

Coach Katash spoke about how Lavy has progressed this season and even compared a situation he was once in to that of the 24-year old, “Gur is amazing and exceptional in the way he was able to handle the situation. Because Gur sometimes didn’t get opportunities or minutes, even recently, not because he didn’t deserve it or because he isn’t good, but simply because we’re overloaded with players at that position and sometimes that happens. But Gur is so positive, so present and really wants to improve, he’s truly an exceptional character and I’ve coached many players with good character. Gur is exceptional.”

“Of course, now the opportunity has opened up, as happened and has happened to many players. I’ll take you 30 years back, it happened to me too. I came in as the second point guard and Guy Goodes finished the season with an injury. But if you stay positive and focused, that’s what Gur did and Gur is terrific for us. His minutes were significant and we also saw that in the league game. It’s special to the extent that it almost couldn’t happen with most players unless they’re truly mentally strong like Gur and that’s very impressive.”

Lavy shared his thoughts on how he and Katash get along, “First of all, Oded is an amazing coach. He has a lot of experience at these levels. I learn a lot from him every day and I’m happy he’s gradually integrating me into the games. I hope to get more opportunities in the future.”

Captain John Dibartolomeo spoke about what Lavy has been able to contribute, “I’m really happy for Gur. It’s not easy making the transition from a small club in Israel to Maccabi. There’s obviously growing pains and Gur has handled them tremendously all season. Whether it’s not playing in EuroLeague, being ready whenever his number is called in both leagues. Here he made a lot of plays and his 3-pointer was one of them, but he does a lot of things off the ball. He plays the right way. He’s a good teammate. I think he’s a player that will continue to grow and can be here for a long time.”

Roman Sorkin, who plays in the front court with Lavy added, “I think it’s not simple to play like that. To come in and get just a few minutes, it’s not easy. It’s about diving for ball and he played very well for us today. We saw on video how good he was and how much he gives in his minutes. The way he plays with heart, everyone sees it and is happy. It’s not just because he’s Israeli or because he hasn’t played much, he gives his heart. He fights tooth and nail here for every minute, for everyone and for Israel.”

As for the Play In, Lavy and Maccabi will do their utmost to find a way by doing what they have been doing at home, winning.

“We’re doing everything to get there. We’re not dealing with the math, only with winning games.”