Basketball

Down double digits once again, the Knicks rallied to win their first NBA championship since 1973, ending a 53-year title drought.

The Knicks, who trailed by 29 points in the third quarter, lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. They can clinch their first title since 1973 Saturday night, when Game 5 will be played in San Antonio.

"I love this country to death. I grew up in the United States. I choose to be here. I’m a Zionist. I love this country. I love our people, but not everyone feels the same way," said Adelson.

Despite Tel Aviv being awarded the game on the court after the game was abandoned, the Israel Basketball Association will issue a final ruling on the situation at a later time.

Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem’s semifinal opener was halted after three quarters, as fans were evacuated following updated Home Front Command restrictions.

After falling at home in Game 1, the Reds needed to dig deep, both mentally and physically, to take Game 2 on the road and then Game 3 back at Yad Eliyahu.

Vasilije Micic and Oz Blayzer lead Hapoel Tel Aviv past Maccabi Rishon 95-69, forcing a decisive third game, while Hapoel Jerusalem sweeps Hapoel HaEmek to reach the semifinals.

“No athlete should have to choose between representing their country and feeling safe or accepted in their sport.”

The game was close after the opening quarter, but that was because Madar was just warming up for what was to be a historical night for Israeli basketball.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion praised Avdija for representing the State of Israel as a public figure in the US and for bringing pride to Jews and Israelis worldwide.