"Shout it, Common Sense Magic!" Samsung, dead last for 5 straight years, has truly changed... Game-winning three-pointer with 6 seconds left → First 3-game winning streak at season opener in 23 years

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The "eternal last-place" Seoul Samsung has truly transformed. Led by a dramatic game-winning three-pointer with just 6 seconds remaining, the team is on its first 3-game winning streak at the season opener in 23 years. The significantly improved performance since head coach Kim Sang-sik took over is worthy of the term "Common Sense Magic."

Samsung, led by head coach Kim Sang-sik, defeated Goyang Sono 82-81 in a home game on the 11th at Seoul Jamsil Student Gymnasium in the 2026~2027 KCC Pro Basketball regular season.

With this victory, Samsung has won all three games since the start of the season. It is the first time in 23 years, since the 2003~2004 season, that Samsung has achieved a 3-game winning streak at the season opener.

Considering Samsung's performance over the past few years, this is an even more surprising change.

Samsung finished last for five consecutive seasons from the 2021~2022 season through the 2025~2026 season. However, under head coach Kim Sang-sik this season, the team is showing a completely different face.

After previously defeating Suwon KT and Anyong Cheong Kwan Jang in succession, Samsung completed its 3-game winning streak by also beating Sono.

The path to victory was dramatic as well. Samsung led 27-25 after the first quarter and matched Sono 16-16 in the second quarter, finishing the first half with a 43-41 lead.

However, the momentum shifted completely in the third quarter. While allowing Sono to score 27 points, Samsung managed only 14. The score at the end of the third quarter was 57-68. Samsung entered the final fourth quarter trailing by 11 points.

Here, Samsung showed its transformed strength. In the fourth quarter, Samsung raised its defensive focus while steadily narrowing the scoring gap on offense. Without giving up until the very last moment, it applied intense pressure to Sono.

With 1 minute and 18 seconds remaining, Han Ho-bin tied the game. After receiving a pass from Justin Gutong, Han Ho-bin hit a three-pointer, making the score 79-79.

Sono did not back down easily either. With 21 seconds left, Lee Jae-do made a two-point shot to take an 81-79 lead again.

However, Samsung still had one final weapon left.

The savior was Kerem Kanter. With 6 seconds remaining, Kanter received a pass from Han Ho-bin and boldly attempted a three-pointer. The ball went straight through the hoop. 82-81. It was a dramatic game-winning shot that instantly turned the tide for Samsung, which had been trailing until the late stages of the game.

On its final possession, Sono tried to turn the game around again but failed to score. Eventually, the buzzer sounded, confirming Samsung's thrilling 1-point victory.

Kanter played 38 minutes and 7 seconds on this day, recording a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. In particular, he became the hero of the victory by sinking the game-winning three-pointer at the most crucial moment.

'Veteran' Han Ho-bin's performance was also indispensable. Han Ho-bin recorded 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. After hitting a tying three-pointer with 1 minute and 18 seconds remaining, he assisted on Kanter's final game-winning three-pointer, dominating the critical moments of the game.

'Second-year' player Lee Gyu-tae also scored 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Chris McCollum contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Justin Gutong showed his presence on both ends of the floor with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

For Sono, Skylar James exploded for 33 points in a standout performance, and Kevin Kembero added 19 points, but they could not hold on during the final 6 seconds.

The biggest change for Samsung this season is that it no longer collapses easily.

Even after finishing the third quarter, it was trailing by 11 points. In the past, this might have been a situation where the team would simply let the momentum slip away. However, Samsung scored 25 points in the fourth quarter alone while holding Sono to 13. And in the final 6 seconds, it turned the game around.

Last place for five consecutive seasons. It was a label that had stuck to Samsung until just last season. But as soon as the new season began, the atmosphere changed completely. It is a 3-game winning streak at the season opener for the first time in 23 years.

Although it is still early in the season, Samsung's transformation is clear. Under head coach Kim Sang-sik, Samsung has equipped itself with tenacious late-game strength and has begun to erase its long-standing image as the "eternal last-place" team.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original