“Still the sole leader” Samsung, “Canter’s 27 points and 14 rebounds in stellar performance” escape losing streak crisis... KT fails to extend winning streak to four [Jamsil on-site review]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Seoul Samsung defeated Suwon KT after a fierce battle, escaping the threat of a losing streak and firmly maintaining its position as the sole leader.

Samsung dominated KT 85-78 in a home game during the second round of the 2026-2027 KCC Pro Basketball regular season, held at Seoul Jamsil Student Gymnasium at 7 p.m. on the 9th.

Overcoming its previous upset loss to Wonju DB, Samsung navigated the losing streak crisis and recorded a season record of 11 wins and 2 losses, charging ahead in sole first place. Meanwhile, KT, which had aimed for a four-game winning streak, failed to overcome the late-game hurdle, recording 6 wins and 7 losses as its .500 win rate collapsed.

Samsung’s Kerem Kanter dominated the paint with a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Justin Goutt recorded 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Lee Gwan-hee and Han Ho-bin also contributed to the team’s victory by each scoring 13 points. For KT, Paris Bass fought valiantly with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists but could not prevent the team’s defeat.

The early flow of the first quarter was a tight contest. KT pulled ahead to 9-4 on consecutive scores by Paris Bass and Kang Seong-uk, as well as free throws taken advantage of opponent turnovers, but Samsung stubbornly followed with Lee Gwan-hee’s perimeter shot and Kanter’s free throws.

A back-and-forth exchange continued between the two teams after the mid-quarter mark. KT took a 13-8 lead on Bass’s fast break, but Samsung immediately tied the game at 13-13 with Han Ho-bin’s three-point play and Kanter’s paint shot. The first quarter ended in a 22-22 tie after the close contest.

In the early part of the second quarter, KT built momentum with perimeter shots. KT pulled ahead to 30-24 on Kim Jun-hwan’s three-pointer and Bass’s consecutive scores, while Samsung countered with Lee Geun-hwi’s perimeter shot. Subsequently, KT created a double-digit gap at 38-27 as Porter’s three-point play off a pass from Bass exploded, followed by Bass scoring five consecutive points.

Samsung launched a counterattack after the mid-quarter mark. Samsung, which started its pursuit with Han Ho-bin’s consecutive scores, closed in to within two points at 38-40 following Lee Gwan-hee’s three-pointer and Chris McCollum’s three-point play and dunk shot. The first half ended with KT narrowly leading 42-40.

In the early part of the third quarter, KT took a 50-44 lead on Moon Jung-hyun’s paint shot, Porter’s free throws, and Bass’s two-pointer. However, Samsung reset the game to zero by tying it at 52-52 with consecutive three-pointers from Han Ho-bin and Kanter, followed by Justin Goutt’s dunk shot. The tight balance continued at 56-56 as Kanter’s free throws and paint shots followed.

In the late quarter, Samsung used its firepower to widen the gap instantly. Goutt hammered in consecutive paint scores and perimeter shots, allowing Samsung to pull ahead to 64-58. With 0.9 seconds left in the quarter, Bass hit a three-pointer for KT, closing in to within three points at 61-64 as the third quarter ended.

In the early part of the fourth quarter, Samsung took a 68-63 lead on Kerem Kanter’s paint score and Han Ho-bin’s free throws. KT closed in to 65-70 on Paris Bass’s paint shot and Kang Seong-uk’s score.

A decisive variable emerged with about 6 minutes and 50 seconds remaining in the game. After Samsung’s Justin Goutt made a three-pointer, he collided with an opponent during landing, twisting his ankle and falling to the ground, and was substituted out for Choi Hyun-min.

With Samsung pulling ahead to 73-65, KT’s fierce pursuit continued. Powered by Jeon Seong-hyun’s perimeter shot, Bass’s free throws, and paint scores, KT racked up points consecutively, and with about 5 minutes and 20 seconds remaining, Bass made a two-pointer on a fast break opportunity to finally tie the game at 73-73.

Goutt, who returned to the court after recovering from injury at a crucial moment, changed the flow of the game again. Lee Gwan-hee, receiving an assist from Goutt, sank a three-pointer, allowing Samsung to regain the lead at 76-73. Goutt also induced a turnover from Bass with a block shot and solid defense on the defensive end. Samsung pulled ahead to 78-73 on Kanter’s paint shot, then widened the gap to 81-73 as Kanter’s backboard three-pointer went through the rim, securing the winning momentum.

Having secured the winning momentum, Samsung maintained its focus until the end of the game to protect its lead, ultimately finishing the game with a victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original