There is no question that Hapoel Holon and coach Guy Goodes have two of the most savvy veterans in Israel as Chris Johnson and Guy Goodes continue to be key parts to the ultimate success of the team. That was again apparent in Holon’s 98-89 victory over Galatasaray in Basketball Champions League Round of 16 Group Stage action in the front end of back-to-back contests.

The victory moved the purples to 2-1 in the 4 team group as they look to punch their ticket to the Round of 16. A win in Turkey will move the club ever so closer and that will definitely be on the backs on of the two vets once again in what will most certainly be a super-hot environment in Istanbul.

Following the first game of two between the teams this week, Goodes knew that without the pair of 30+ year olds a team like Galatasaray would have been able to take the road victory and head back Turkey in prime positon to win both contests and move ever so close to the Top 8. However, once CJ and Guy got rolling there was no stopping them.

Whether it was Johnson’s 26 points, 8 boards and 5 assists or Pnini’s 5 points, 6 assists and +20 on the court as each player brought their own attributes to the game in order to take the win.

“Chris Johnson does it all on offense, defense and I wish I could duplicate five players like him,” Goodes exclaimed after the game.

As for Pnini, Goodes also spoke about what he was able to do for the club in their time of need as they did not start the game off well and headed into halftime down by 3-points.

“Pnini is a quality player and he had a very high +/-. I don’t have to tell you what his IQ level is and when he is in a zone it’s even better. Guy does things that are amazing and he’s like another point guard putting people in their places.”

Both players also praised one another as they have in the past, having now played with each other over the past two campaigns.

“Guy is a veteran and we have played together for two years now and we have a feel for each other. Guy had a great game and he was really into it,” Johnson said.

Pnini returned the compliments following the game as well, “He makes things easier. He hits 3-pointers takes rebounds and does it all.”

There are no illusions to think that just because Holon downed Galatasaray and scored 54 second half points that a win is in the bag in Turkey. Au contraire. Goodes will make sure that the team cleans up the various areas that need to be over the next 48 hours in order to find a way to take a victory in what is always a tough country to win in.

“We did a good job and they did a good job making 3’s which coach empathized before the game,” Johnson said. “We have a few things to clean up before Thursday. We both played and both have to travel and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes tonight and defend the 3-point line.”

However, Holon will have to do that without Tyrus McGee who will not be able to take part in the game due to the fact that this matchup has been originally slated for before the guard joined the Israeli club. It will be all hands on deck as they say.

“McGee is very important to us and other players will have to step-up,” Goodes explained. “We will do the best we can and we have players that have been here and have experience.”