Samsung Defeats Sono to Set KBL Record with 9th Straight Opening Win

Seoul Samsung has set a new KBL record with their ninth consecutive win to start the season.

Samsung defeated Goyang Sono 95-87 in an away game of the KCC Pro Basketball regular season held today at the Goyang Sono Arena.

Having tied the league record for the most consecutive opening wins previously held by Wonju Dongbu (now DB) in the 2011-2012 season and Goyang Orion in the 2014-2015 season with eight straight wins, Samsung broke the record today to write a new chapter in KBL history.

Meanwhile, Sono fell into a losing streak, dropping to 7th place with 4 wins and 6 losses.

Sono went all out to stop Samsung's winning streak by splashing six 3-pointers in the first quarter alone, but faced a major blow just five minutes into the game when key foreign player Johnny O'Bryant left the court due to back pain.

Holding a narrow 70-69 lead after the third quarter, Samsung showed strength in the clutch.

With about four minutes left in regulation, Justin Gu-jang and Lee Kyu-tae landed consecutive 3-pointers to pull ahead 86-78, seizing the momentum for victory.

Samsung dominated the paint as Kanter recorded a double-double with 30 points and 12 rebounds, while Lee Gwan-hee sparkled by scoring 18 points, including three 3-pointers.

McCullough also did his part with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Lee Kyu-tae shone with two crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.

For Sono, Scotty James fought hard with 33 points and 13 rebounds, and Lee Jeong-hyeon added 22 points, but they had to bow their heads in defeat.

(Photo: Provided by KBL, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.