Super team power explodes, "Superstar Coach" Lee Sang-min of KCC: "I was nervous too..." [Goyang on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Busan KCC swallowed the second game held at an away venue, crossing the ridge toward the championship. Not resting on their first-game victory, KCC unleashed a firepower show and took another step toward the historic achievement of being the first sixth-ranked team in the regular season to win the championship finals.

On the 7th at 7 p.m., KCC defeated Goyang Sono 96-78 in the away game of the second match of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Pro Basketball Championship Finals (best-of-seven series) held at Goyang Sono Arena, recording two wins and no losses in the series.

Two years ago, KCC achieved the first-ever championship finals victory by a fifth-ranked team in the regular season. This season, they are now just two steps away from becoming the first sixth-ranked team to win the championship.

Coach Lee Sang-min, who was known as the best point guard during his playing days, unleashed the potential of the "super team" KCC players, showcasing overwhelming performance in the two championship finals games.

In the post-game press conference, Coach Lee Sang-min said, "I hoped we would win and go home, but our outside shots were too good." He added, "We allowed many three-pointers, but it seems our spear was stronger in the clash of spears. We will do our best to be able to raise a toast at home."

On this day, KCC's key players all performed well. Heo Woong scored 29 points, including six three-pointers, while Heo Hoon recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 assists, fulfilling his role as the field commander. Choi Jun-yong (25 points) and Song Gyo-chang (16 points) also contributed on both offense and defense. Coach Lee Sang-min praised the players, saying, "A great coach is made by the players. The players have a lot of experience in big games, and their concentration has improved significantly compared to the regular season, leading to good results."

KCC also flexibly dealt with the defensive changes that the opposing Sono brought out to stop Sean Long. Coach Lee Sang-min explained, "Even though they focused on the perimeter, they tried to stop Sean Long's roll play, which seems to have opened up KCC's perimeter even more. At the beginning, we tried to utilize Sean Long, but turnovers occurred. Sean Long told us not to worry about him and just play. Such sacrifice and motivation greatly helped the team's atmosphere."

They also earned a passing grade on defense. Coach Lee Sang-min, who effectively suppressed Sono's transition, which had been powerful up to the semifinals, said, "We didn't lose as many offensive rebounds as in the first game, and the backcourt played hard." He analyzed, "We thought the opponent didn't have many players to post up, so we just needed to defend the perimeter well, but Choi Jun-yong closely marked Lee Jung-hyun and provided perfect cover defense."

Although they secured a two-game winning streak at an away venue and established overwhelming superiority, Coach Lee Sang-min did not let go of his tension until the end. He said, "I am feeling a weight that I couldn't feel during my playing days. I am very nervous myself. The closer we get to the finals, the heavier the weight becomes." He maintained a cautious attitude, adding, "I am trying to find some relaxation. We will know once it's all over."

KCC, dreaming of a rebellion by a sixth-ranked team, is now heading to their home venue, Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, to play two consecutive games on the 9th and 10th.

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*This content was translated by AI.