*This content was translated by AI.
The "Miracle Run" has begun to stir once again. SoNe of Goyang, having won 10 consecutive games at the end of the regular season, shut out SeoulSK in the semifinals and ChangwonLG, the regular-season champion, in the finals, demonstrating its resilience by exploding once again from the brink.
SoNe and BusanKCC will face off in Game 5 of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Professional Basketball Championship Finals (best-of-seven) at 7 p.m. on the 13th at Goyang SoNe Arena.
SoNe, whose playoff sweep streak was broken by three consecutive losses, secured a miraculous victory thanks to Lee Jung-hyun's game-winning free throw with 0.9 seconds remaining in Game 4.
Although a single loss would have relegated them to runners-up, they showed no fear. From the coaching staff to the players, they confidently predicted the first-ever reverse sweep in history.
At the center of it all was 14-year veteran Jung Hee-jae, who burned with fighting spirit on the court despite not being in full physical condition. Jung Hee-jae stated, "Both KCC and we are now challenging a 0% probability. A 6th-place team winning the championship, or SoNe achieving a reverse sweep after three losses, are both 0% probabilities unseen in KBL history. Rather than calculating probabilities, the first titleholder will be decided by who takes one more step and shows greater determination in this 0% situation."
Especially regarding the team's mood after losing by one point the previous day, he recalled, "The atmosphere was so down that the hotel hallway was filled with frustrated curses and sighs, but I deliberately made jokes to lift the mood because I knew I couldn't collapse too."
The revitalized performance of Im Dong-seop was also decisive. After scoring 10 points in Game 1 and remaining scoreless in Game 2, Im Dong-seop scored 18 points (including four 3-pointers) in Game 3 and followed up with 14 points (four 3-pointers) in Game 4, taking responsibility for SoNe's perimeter offense.
Im Dong-seop said, "KCC players' legs looked heavy. In Game 4, even if it went into overtime, we had the confidence that we could win." He added with a smile, "The coach worked hard all night planning the next game on the bus after the away game, and since he asked us to make things even harder for him, he must be working even harder now." Personally, as this is his first Championship Finals in nine years, he also added his solemn resolve: "No matter if something breaks or tears, I will hold on until the end."
Head coach Son Chang-hwan gave a thumbs-up to the players' fighting spirit. Coach Son was moved, saying, "I asked the players to torment me, and they really did. It was a game that showed effort and passion can overcome talent."
SoNe will now return to their home court in Goyang to prepare for Game 5. Coach Son Chang-hwan said, "When I heard the news that Game 5 would be sold out, the players' faces brightened. Since Game 3, we've been pushing forward with the mindset that there's no retreat, and now we're starting to see the opponent's weaknesses," vowing victory at home. Captain Jung Hee-jae also promised, "I want to put a perfect period on the Miracle Run that has continued all season," and vowed to return to Busan, where Game 6 will be held, after passing through Goyang.
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*This content was translated by AI.
