In a stunning upset, the Goyang Sono Sky Gunners defeated the Changwon LG Sakers 69-63 in the first game of the KBL 2025-2026 playoffs on April 23, 2026.
Why it matters: This victory marks a historic moment for Sono, as they advance to the playoffs for the first time since their inception, defeating the top-seeded team in the process.
Goyang Sono, finishing the regular season in 5th place, had never reached the playoffs before this season.
With this win, Sono holds a 78.6% chance of reaching the championship series, based on historical playoff data.
The victory adds to Sono's momentum after sweeping Seoul SK in the previous round.
Driving the news: The match took place at the Gyeongnam Changwon Gymnasium, where LG initially dominated, leading by as much as 15 points.
LG, the reigning champions and regular-season winners, started strong, with Assem Marey controlling the paint and scoring effectively.
By halftime, LG led 36-23, seemingly on track to maintain their dominance.
Sono struggled offensively early, failing to make any of their 8 three-point attempts in the first quarter.
State of play: The game shifted dramatically in the second half as Sono made a strong comeback.
After a slow start, Sono's Neidon Knight came alive, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the second half.
Knight also recorded 11 rebounds, achieving a double-double and becoming a key player in the comeback.
Veteran guard Lee Jae-do contributed significantly, scoring 17 points, including important baskets during the final minutes.
The big picture: This win places Sono in a favorable position heading into Game 2, but they face potential setbacks due to injuries.
Kevin Kembaow suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter, raising concerns about his availability for the next game.
Coach Son Chang-hwan expressed mixed feelings, stating, "We won, but the injuries are a big concern for us moving forward."
LG's Marey finished with impressive stats of 21 points and 21 rebounds but struggled with his team's shooting performance.
What they're saying: Both coaches shared their insights after the game, highlighting the challenges faced by their teams.
Son noted, "We struggled in the first half but managed to find our rhythm in the second half, and I’m proud of the players for their resilience."
LG's coach Jo Sang-hyun lamented, "Our shooting percentage was unacceptable; we need to improve if we want to compete in the next game."
Jo also emphasized the need for his team to regain their competitive edge after a long break before the playoffs.
By the numbers: The statistics from the game reveal stark contrasts between the two teams.
Sono shot 37.8% from the field compared to LG's dismal 37.8% and a mere 8.3% from three-point range.
LG attempted 24 three-pointers but only made 2, severely hindering their offensive output.
In bench points, Sono dominated with 24 compared to LG's 2, underscoring their depth in this matchup.
Yes, but: The victory comes with caveats that could impact Sono's playoff run.
Injuries to key players like Kembaow and others could hamper Sono's chances in the upcoming games.
LG's poor shooting performance raises questions about their ability to bounce back in Game 2.
Both teams will need to adjust their game plans as they prepare for the next matchup.
What's next: Game 2 of the playoff series is set for April 25, 2026, at the same venue.
LG must regroup quickly to avoid falling behind in the series.
Sono will look to capitalize on their momentum but must manage their injuries carefully.
Fans eagerly await how the two teams will adapt and respond in this high-stakes playoff series.