Seoul Samsung's "Common Sense Magic" Hit with a Bucket of Water Right After an 8-Game Opening Win Streak! Kunter Also Smiled, Saying It Was "Our Way to Thank the Coach"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Seoul Samsung wrote a new chapter in franchise history by running up an unstoppable eight-game opening win streak. Immediately after achieving this historic feat, a playful "bucket of water" shower was poured over the head coach in the locker room, and Kerem Kunter (31), the team's top contributor to the victory, could not hide his joy, smiling with his characteristic expression and calling it "a way to repay the coach."

Seoul Samsung, led by Coach Kim Sang-sik (58), defeated Daegu Korea Gas Corporation 76-68 in an away game held at the Daegu Indoor Gymnasium on the 25th in the 2026-2027 KCC Pro Basketball League. With this victory, Samsung extended its opening win streak to eight games without a single loss.

With this, Samsung tied the all-time KBL record for the most consecutive wins at the start of a season (eight-game winning streak), 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 finished last for five consecutive seasons up until just last year, has achieved such a perfect turnaround.

The driving force behind transforming Samsung from a bottom-tier team last season into an unbeatable powerhouse in just one season—so-called "Common Sense Magic"—lies in rigorous defensive training and solid teamwork. According to Coach Kim Sang-sik, the team did not limit itself to specific opponent-focused drills but repeatedly practiced all possible defensive tactics that could arise on the court every day right after warm-ups. As a result, the players have become a cohesive defensive unit capable of naturally employing situational defenses such as switches and jump-outs without complex explanations. In addition, the head coach strongly raised his voice at critical moments to refocus the players' attention, while the coaching staff firmly supported the bench, creating gear-like synergy that served as the source of the magical eight-game winning streak.

This "Common Sense Magic" shone in today's game as well. Although several crises arose due to Korea Gas Corporation's fierce pursuit, Samsung held on to the lead until the end with strong defense.

Kunter was undoubtedly the star of the victory today. Kunter played 37 minutes and 1 second, recording 23 points and 9 rebounds, solidly handling the team's offense and paint area. On the perimeter, Han Ho-bin (11 points, 5 assists), Lee Gyu-tae (11 points, 5 rebounds), and Lee Geun-hwi (9 points) provided support by sinking crucial three-pointers at key moments.

Coach Kim Sang-sik, who entered the interview room soaking wet after the game, asked for understanding, saying, "I got wet in the locker room, so I changed my clothes before coming here." He revealed that he had been splashed with water by the players.

Coach Kim then said, "Since it was a back-to-back game, I expected it to be difficult, but I am grateful that the players held on until the end in every crisis," adding, "I deliberately raised my voice strongly at times because I was worried about losing focus, so I feel both sorry and thankful for their concentration." He instead attributed the victory's credit to the players.

Kunter, who entered the interview room as the player of the game, also smiled and said regarding the water shower, "The coach is the captain of this ship," explaining, "He leads the players perfectly and has completely transformed the team. It was a kind of 'repayment' from the players for the dedication shown by the coach." He continued, "Team chemistry is at its peak. We have no limits," expressing confidence in an even longer winning streak.

Seoul Samsung, which has maintained its unbeaten run by demonstrating cohesive teamwork in both offense and defense, is solidifying its early-season lead in the regular season with "Common Sense Magic."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original