In Holon’s packed gym, you could feel the air crackle, like everyone was holding their breath at once. Fans clutched their jerseys, eyes locked on the court, as the final seconds of Game 4 ticked away. Then, Bnei Herzliya’s John Meeks took flight, his three-pointer arcing through the air before splashing the net, clinching a 96-93 upset over Hapoel Holon. That heart-stopping shot on Wednesday night lit up the crowd, tying the Israel Super League quarterfinal series at 2-2 and promising a win-or-go-home Game 5 back in Herzliya.
Picture a game so intense it felt like a street fight, with Herzliya and Holon throwing everything they had. Down 2-0 in the series, Herzliya could’ve packed it in, their season on the ropes. But they dug deep, playing with the kind of guts that make you believe in comebacks. John Meeks, a 29-year-old American who’s all heart, lit up the scoreboard with 24 points. His buzzer-beater? The kind of shot you replay in your head for years, a memory to share over beers or with kids wide-eyed at the story. Shalev Lugashi chipped in 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Chinanu Onuaku stood tall in the paint. Holon pushed back hard, Kevin Hervey dropping 22 points, but Herzliya’s late charge was too much. The Jerusalem Post described the final minute as pure chaos, fans roaring as Meeks’ shot sent players leaping into each other’s arms.
Coach Yehu Orland was all grins, his voice thick with emotion. “These guys are warriors,” he told Sports Rabbi, still catching his breath. “John’s shot? It’s the stuff of legends.” For Herzliya fans, it was like winning the lottery. “My throat’s gone from screaming,” laughed Maya, a supporter quoted by The Times of Israel, her face painted team colors. Over in Holon’s corner, the mood was heavier. “We were so close, but they just kept coming,” sighed coach Guy Goodes, rubbing his temples.
Israel’s basketball scene lives for nights like this. The Super League is a cauldron of talent, and Herzliya-Holon matchups are always a show. Holon grabbed the 2022 State Cup, but Herzliya’s been a thorn in their side, like when they stole Game 3, 94-86, with Lugashi raining five threes, per basket.co.il. This 2025 playoff series is pure drama, Herzliya scrapping their way back from a 2-0 hole, their never-quit vibe lighting a fire under fans. Whoever wins Game 5 faces Maccabi Tel Aviv in the semifinals—a giant worth slaying.
Reactions poured in, electric and raw. Herzliya fans took over social media, one shouting, “Meeks is our hero! Game 5’s gonna be epic!” Holon’s faithful licked their wounds, a post admitting, “Slipped through our fingers—time to fight back.” Sports Rabbi called Herzliya’s comeback “a love letter to never giving up.” Even fans of other teams got swept up, with Maccabi Tel Aviv’s French fan page tweeting, “Herzliya’s got heart—semis are calling!” Bars across Israel were alive, TVs blaring, strangers high-fiving like old friends.
The stakes are more than just a trophy. For Herzliya, a scrappy club dwarfed by powerhouses like Maccabi, reaching the semifinals would be like summiting a mountain. Meeks, who joined mid-season, is chasing a dream—his game-winner was a moment he’ll carry forever. For Holon, a loss would hurt, crushing a season of big expectations. Beyond the scoreboard, these games are a lifeline, giving fans a reason to cheer in a country where news often feels heavy.
Game 5, set for Sunday in Herzliya, is going to be a battle. Holon’s got experience, but Herzliya’s got momentum. Orland’s already scheming, saying, “We’ll tweak a few things and bring it all.” Goodes fired back, “We’re not done yet.” Tickets are vanishing fast, and fans are bracing for another thriller. The winner faces Maccabi, a beast ready to pounce.
When Herzliya’s players wrapped their arms around each other, sweat-soaked and grinning like kids, you could sense a team that trusts in something bigger. Meeks’ shot was more than points—it was a burst of belief, a vow to keep pushing, a jolt of joy for a city. For fans chanting till their voices gave out or yelling at their TVs, it’s what makes basketball magic: one moment can lift a team, a crowd, a whole season into something unforgettable.
