"Unbelievable." Samsung, which had finished last for five consecutive seasons, is on an 8-game winning streak to start the season — is this real? They defeated Korea Gas Corporation and tied the KBL record [Daegu On-Site Review]

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Seoul Samsung Thunders overcame Daegu Korea Gas Corporation Pegasus to continue their unstoppable 8-game winning streak to open the season.

On the 25th, Seoul Samsung defeated Korea Gas Corporation 76-68 in an away game against them in Round 1 of the 2026-2027 KCC Pro Basketball League regular season, held at Daegu Indoor Gymnasium.

With this, Samsung extended their unbeaten start to the season, racing toward an 8-game winning streak. They matched the KBL all-time record for the most consecutive wins to open a season (8 games), previously set by Wonju Dongbu (now DB) in the 2011-2012 season and Goyang Orions in the 2014-2015 season. It is hard to believe that this team, which had remained at the bottom of the standings for five consecutive seasons until just last season, achieved such a perfect turnaround.

The flow was tight in the early part of the first quarter. Samsung took the lead with consecutive inside-the-paint scores by Kerem Kanter, but Korea Gas Corporation responded with outside shots from Kevy Aluma and fast breaks by Sam Joseph Belan, keeping the game tied at 11-11 in a seesaw battle.

The balance tipped in Samsung's favor toward the end of the quarter. After taking control with free throws by Lee Gwan-hee and an outside shot by Lee Gyu-tae, Samsung pulled away quickly when Korea Gas Corporation closed in on their heels with a three-pointer by Jeong Seong-woo, combining free throws by Jeong Seong-jo and an outside shot by Lee Geun-hwi. Adding another free throw by Jeong Seong-jo just before the end of the quarter, Samsung finished the first quarter 21-14.

Entering the second quarter, Samsung widened the gap to 10 points at 26-16 with an inside-the-paint score by Jeong Seong-jo and an outside shot by Lee Geun-hwi, but a fierce counterattack by Korea Gas Corporation began. Following inside-the-paint attacks by Ra Gyun-a and Aluma, Choi Seung-wook stole the ball twice to boost defensive focus, and Belan's fast-break layup with 1 minute and 56 seconds remaining finally tied the game at 34-34.

The end of the first half was a fierce back-and-forth battle. As Samsung pulled away with an inside-the-paint shot by Kanter, Korea Gas Corporation turned the tide with a go-ahead three-pointer by Ra Gyun-a with 35 seconds remaining. They then allowed another inside-the-paint score to Kanter with 8 seconds left, conceding a re-takeover, but Belan hit a precious game-winning buzzer-beater with 1 second remaining, allowing Korea Gas Corporation to end the first half leading 39-38 in a thrilling finish.

Entering the third quarter, Samsung pulled far ahead. After Samsung took back the lead with a score by Kanter, they seized momentum with a three-pointer and a powerful dunk shot by Chris McCullar. Taking advantage of Korea Gas Corporation's wobble due to consecutive turnovers, Samsung exploded with consecutive three-pointers by Han Ho-bin and Lee Gyu-tae, as well as an inside-the-paint drive by Justin Gutang, quickly widening the gap to 14 points at 55-41.

Korea Gas Corporation attempted a late chase in the third quarter with an outside shot by Kevy Aluma and an inside-the-paint score by Sam Joseph Belan, but they conceded a decisive score to Lee Gyu-tae with 6 seconds remaining in the quarter, allowing Samsung to end the third quarter leading by 11 points at 59-48.

In the fateful fourth quarter, Korea Gas Corporation launched a fierce late-game chase, but Samsung's focus was superior. Samsung maintained control with an inside-the-paint score by Kanter and an outside shot by Han Ho-bin, but Korea Gas Corporation closed in to within 5 points at 64-69 with 4 minutes and 19 seconds remaining, led by Jeong Seong-woo, Aluma, and Belan.

In the moment of crisis, it was outside shooting that saved Samsung. Following a steal by Han Ho-bin, Lee Geun-hwi hit a precious fast-break three-pointer to pull ahead instantly at 72-64. Although Korea Gas Corporation closed in again with a score by Belan, Kanter received a pass from Han Ho-bin and scored a decisive inside-the-paint basket with 1 minute and 41 seconds remaining, widening the gap to 74-66 and securing the victory.

On this day, Samsung was anchored in the paint by Kerem Kanter, who recorded 23 points and 9 rebounds, while Lee Gyu-tae contributed with 11 points (including three 3-pointers) and 4 rebounds. Han Ho-bin added firepower with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Lee Geun-hwi (9 points), who hit three high-percentage three-pointers, and Justin Gutang (4 points, 7 assists) also contributed to the victory.

On the other hand, Korea Gas Corporation's Kevy Aluma recorded a "double-double" with 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Sam Joseph Belan fought hard with 22 points and 7 assists, but their efforts did not translate into a win.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original