▲ Action from the professional basketball match between Samsung and Sono
Seoul Samsung, long considered the perennial bottom-feeder of professional basketball, is showing a completely transformed look by cruising to a three-game winning streak at the start of the new season.
Samsung defeated Goyang Sono 82-81 in their regular-season home game of the 2026-2027 KCC Professional Basketball at Jamsil Student Gymnasium in Seoul on October 11, powered by Kerem Kanter's dramatic game-winning three-pointer.
This marks the first time in 23 years, since the 2003-2004 season, that Samsung has opened a season with three consecutive wins.
Having finished at the very bottom (10th place) for five straight seasons from 2021-2022 to the 2025-2026 season, Samsung demonstrated its newfound resilience following previous victories over Suwon KT and Anyang JungKwanJang, firmly maintaining sole possession of first place.
Meanwhile, Sono, the runner-up from last season, fell to 1-3 after suffering three straight losses following their opening-day victory.
Both teams displayed blazing firepower right from the first quarter.
Although Sono took control of the perimeter by sinking seven three-pointers in the first quarter alone, led by Kevin Kempau and Scotty James, Samsung also seized the initiative as Kerem Kanter completed two traditional three-point plays, with Lee Gyu-tae and Han Ho-bin evenly contributing to the scoring, ending the period 27-25.
The tight flow continued into the second quarter, with Sono chasing whenever Samsung pulled ahead.
As Samsung widened the gap behind Lee Gyu-tae's clean perimeter shot and a three-pointer by Chris McCullough under pressure from the shot clock, Sono countered with three-pointers from Lee Jae-do and Johnny O'Bryant.
Trailing 41-43 at halftime, Sono turned the game around right at the start of the third quarter.
Sparked by a 7-0 run that included five points from James, they quickly flipped the score to 52-49.
Later, as Samsung faltered with a succession of turnovers, James hit a three-pointer and converted an and-one play late in the quarter to widen the margin.
Consequently, Samsung entered the final fourth quarter trailing by 11 points at 57-68.
However, Samsung's relentless counterattack began in the fourth quarter.
Midway through the quarter, consecutive three-pointers by Lee Gyu-tae and Lee Geun-hwi found the net, narrowing the gap to 72-73 and instantly heating up the arena atmosphere.
Although Sono tried to throw cold water on the rally with an outside shot from James, Samsung fought back through consecutive scores by Han Ho-bin and Guto, eventually tying the game at 76-76.
A nail-biting battle ensued thereafter.
Sono edged ahead via a three-pointer from Kempau, but fell into deep trouble with 2 minutes and 36 seconds remaining when paint protector O'Bryant fouled out with his fifth foul.
Not missing the opening, Samsung drew level at 79-79 with 1 minute and 18 seconds left as Han Ho-bin responded with a crucial three-pointer.
The fate of the victory was decided at the very last moment.
With 21.1 seconds left on the clock, Sono's Lee Jae-do seemed to virtually secure victory by driving brilliantly for a layup.
However, right before the final buzzer with defeat looming, Kanter sank a dramatic buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer to wrap up the grueling battle with a Samsung victory.
Kanter became the primary hero of the win with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Han Ho-bin recorded 15 points and 6 assists, while Lee Gyu-tae contributed 16 points, including four three-pointers.
Meanwhile, at Anyang JungKwanJang Arena, championship contender Changwon LG suffered a shocking defeat, falling 65-88 to JungKwanJang.
LG launched a fierce chase led by Archie Goodwin, who nailed four three-pointers in the second quarter alone, but still finished the first half trailing 39-51.
The flow of the game did not change much in the second half.
Instead, JungKwanJang tilted the scales early by exploding for 15 unanswered points over a span of about five minutes, sparked by consecutive scores from Han Seung-hee midway through the third quarter.
To make matters worse, LG lost Goodwin to an ejection late in the third quarter, completely losing the momentum for a comeback.
Goodwin made a motion resembling tripping Byun Jun-hyung in a situation unrelated to live play, and following a video review, an unsportsmanlike foul was called, forcing him to leave the court immediately.
Entering the final fourth quarter with a comfortable 22-point lead at 72-50, JungKwanJang comfortably maintained the gap without any upsets to seal a complete victory at home.
For JungKwanJang, Park Ji-hoon delivered a stellar performance with 18 points, Byun Jun-hyung added 12 points and 8 assists, and Jon Mooney recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
For LG, Goodwin scored a team-high 17 points, but his brilliant effort was overshadowed by an ignominious ejection following an unnecessary foul.
(Photo provided by KBL, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.