"Everything that goes wrong came out in full view": Kim Sang-sik's blunt assessment after Seoul Samsung's nine-game winning streak ended... "SK was strong" [Jamsil on-site report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"It seems that all the plays that come out when things aren't going well have already been seen."

Kim Sang-sik, head coach of Seoul Samsung, delivered a cold assessment after the team's nine-game winning streak since the start of the season came to an end.

Samsung, led by Kim Sang-sik, lost 76-90 in an away game against Seoul SK at Seoul Jamsil Student Gymnasium on the 1st in the regular season of the 2026~2027 KCC Pro Basketball League.

With this result, Samsung recorded a mark of nine wins and one loss, suffering its first defeat of the season. Samsung had achieved the first-ever nine-game winning streak since the start of a KBL season by defeating Goyang Sono in their previous game. It was an even more surprising record for Samsung, which had finished at the bottom of the standings for five consecutive seasons. However, the winning streak came to a close as they failed to overcome rival SK, whom they faced for the first time this season.

It was a disappointing game for Samsung. They trailed narrowly 23-26 in the first quarter but collapsed rapidly from the second quarter onward. After finishing the first half down 35-51, the gap widened to 50-77 in the third quarter. They attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter but ultimately suffered a 14-point defeat.

Samsung's Kerem Kanter scored 15 points, Chris McCullough had 14 points, and Lee Geun-hui recorded nine points, but they could not prevent the team's loss.

On the other hand, SK's Isaiah Hicks performed brilliantly with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Jamil Wani contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Domestic player Oh Jae-hyun also added strength with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Ahn Young-jun scored 16 points.

After the game, head coach Kim Sang-sik expressed regret, saying, "Honestly, it seems that all the things I was worried about in the early stages have come to pass."

Head coach Kim stated, "The opposing foreign players had good speed and individual skills, so I thought we would face a difficult game if we were pushed back there," adding, "It seems our players were also pushed back in the mental battle. The opponent pressed hard and defended with power, and as we were pushed around by that, turnovers poured out."

He continued, "All the plays that come out when things aren't going well have already been seen," acknowledging the opposing team's strength by saying, "SK was strong. In many ways."

On this day, Samsung also struggled to find a solution on offense. As a result, they committed numerous errors. Samsung had 14 turnovers, while SK had seven.

Head coach Kim reflected, "I told them that if the defense focuses on Kanter or McCullough, many chances would open up on the perimeter. But they kept trying to feed the ball only inside, which led to many errors."

He explained further, "Players who got the ball on the perimeter should shoot with confidence, but because they were pushed back in physical battles, they hesitated. Those problems all came out at once."

However, head coach Kim viewed this defeat as something that could serve as good medicine for his players.

He said, "Because we suffered a complete loss today, there are definitely parts we need to address," adding, "Rather, it was a good game for the players to reflect on. Because we had been winning too much, a game like this could happen. But we are not a team that should be like that."

In particular, he warned against a losing streak. Head coach Kim revealed, "Even during our nine-game winning streak, I always told the players to maintain a sense of crisis. Because once you lose, the atmosphere can sink, and it could lead directly into a losing streak."

He continued, "After the game, I briefly told the players that they need to have a sense of crisis. We will rest for one day tomorrow, and at the next practice, I plan to focus on discussing that part," adding, "I will firmly ensure that the players do not lose confidence or let the atmosphere sink."

Head coach Kim also conveyed his regret to the Samsung fans who came to the arena. He said, "Many fans came, and I am very sorry. You cheered hard until the end, but we could not show you a good game," adding, "We will work harder in the next game."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original