"I felt like I was being hunted." Sonos, united by the SK selection controversy, played on even when their legs felt heavy.

*This content was translated by AI.

"I felt like I was being hunted."

The voice of Goyang Sonos' Naiton Knight (29) in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) rose slightly. This happened when he was asked, 'What are your thoughts on the allegations that Seoul SK selected Sonos?'

The 2025-2026 KBL 6-team playoff Game 3 was held at Goyang Sonos Arena in Goyang City on the 16th. Sonos secured a dramatic 66-65 victory over SK, clinching their first-ever quarterfinal playoff berth with a perfect 3-0 sweep.

After the game, Knight entered the interview room with his teammate Kevin Cambao (25). He frankly stated, "I believe that all teams in the KBL have the potential to win if they work hard and do their best." He added, "While I usually strive to be as humble as possible, I felt my pride was deeply hurt because I felt targeted and hunted regarding the allegation that SK selected Sonos."

He further revealed, "The same was true for other players. Thanks to that, we were able to focus more and prepare well for the series, and I am proud that we achieved a sweep victory."

Knight led the team to victory with a game-high 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. In particular, he made a basket near the basket with 4.3 seconds remaining in the game while trailing 64-65, completing a dramatic comeback win.

Cambao, who contributed 19 points and 9 rebounds, responded to the same question by saying, "I felt that young players who worked hard to earn their opportunities were not being respected."

Earlier, SK faced allegations of playing 'a dishonest game' in their final regular-season match to avoid Busan KCC as a playoff opponent and instead select Sonos. Ultimately, the KBL disciplinary committee convened, imposing a 5 million won fine on head coach Heon Choi and issuing a warning to the SK franchise.

This controversy ultimately served as a positive stimulus for the Sonos players. Having fought fiercely for a playoff berth until the end of the regular season, the Sonos players, despite facing physical difficulties, united with determination and mental strength to achieve the unexpected miracle of a 3-0 sweep.

Sonos head coach Son Chang-hwan (50) said, "During yesterday's (15th) training, I saw players whose legs felt heavy and thought, 'Are we pushing too hard?" so I immediately stopped the session and sent them home. I am so grateful to the players who overcame that.' He also expressed gratitude to home fans, stating, "And thanks to the fans who filled the Goyang Gymnasium to capacity (6,120 people) to support us, we were able to win."

Sonos, who finished fifth in the regular season and advanced to the playoffs, defeated fourth-ranked SK and will face first-ranked Changwon LG in the quarterfinal playoffs starting on the 23rd.

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*This content was translated by AI.