"The last goal of my basketball career is..." KCC coach Lee Sang-min, full of determination, vows: "I will fire the victory cannon in Busan" [Busan]

*This content was translated by AI.

BusanKCC coach Lee Sang-min, who holds a 100% win rate in the history of the Championship Finals that has never been broken, aims for a series sweep.

KCC and Goyang Sono will face off in the fourth game of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Professional Basketball Championship Finals (best-of-seven series) at Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium at 4:30 p.m. on the 10th.

This is a chance to write new history. If KCC wins the fourth game, it will lift the Championship Finals trophy for the first time in Busan. Two years ago, KCC defeated SuwonKT and celebrated a Championship Finals victory on the road.

Coach Lee Sang-min told reporters before the game, "I only fell asleep at 4:30 this morning," and added, "I didn't give any special instructions to the players. I think if we just get a good start, thinking there is only one game left, we have a chance. I will pour everything into today," revealing his determination to win the sweep.

In the third game, KCC was on the verge of defeat after allowing a go-ahead score by Lee Jung-hyun with just two seconds remaining. However, Sean Long made both free throws with one second left to secure a dramatic 88-87 comeback victory. Regarding this, Coach Lee Sang-min recalled, "At that time, I was flustered by Lee Jung-hyun's defense on Sean Long when he was at the top. The original plan was an alley-oop, but Coach Son Chang-hwan of Sono anticipated it." He continued, "(Heo) Hoon made a good pass to the open Sean Long. It seems Nathan Knight momentarily let his guard down."

Regarding the utilization of captain Choi Jun-yong, who was ejected early in the second half yesterday due to five fouls, he said, "Since I had to rest early in yesterday's game unintentionally, I think I might actually have more energy physically," smiling, and then explained, "I think he will just naturally play his role as he has done so far."

He also revealed the secret to leading the unique 'super team' players. When Heo Hoon praised him, saying, "The coach is a wise man with great consideration," Coach Lee Sang-min responded, "I had similar experiences during my playing days. If three or four starters all talk about their own things, it's chaotic." He added, "However, there are parts I might miss during the game, so I tend to listen to the players' opinions. If I had only pushed forward strongly, there would have been resistance, but as communication became smooth, synergy emerged."

Coach Lee Sang-min is more desperate for a championship than ever before. He stated, "We had a hard time making it to the playoffs," and emphasized, "The last goal of my basketball career is to win as a coach. I will fire the victory cannon at the Busan home."

Additionally, Coach Lee Sang-min said, "I have no desire for individual awards like Coach of the Year. I want to record a championship sweep." He added, "I am grateful to the players who have made it this far. If we can set the tone with tight defense and full-court press from the beginning, we should see good results."

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*This content was translated by AI.