Sonos coach expresses joy over victory but concerns over player injuries loom large
Category: Local News
In a stunning turn of events, the Goyang Sono Skygunners defeated the regular season champions, Changwon LG Sakers, 69-63 in the first game of the KBL 2025-2026 semifinals held on April 23, 2026, at the Gyeongnam Changwon Gymnasium. This victory marks a historic moment for Sono, who have advanced to the playoffs for the first time since their establishment in 2023.
The match showcased Sono's resilience, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the third quarter to secure the win. Coach Son Chang-hwan expressed mixed feelings after the game, celebrating the victory yet voicing concerns about his players' injuries. "We won, but the losses are too great," he lamented, highlighting the challenges faced during the match.
Sono's remarkable comeback was fueled by standout performances from Lee Jae-do and Nathan Knight, both scoring 17 points, with Knight also contributing 11 rebounds for a double-double. Lee Jung-hyun added 13 points to the scoreline. Meanwhile, LG's Assem Marey recorded an impressive 21 points and 21 rebounds, but his team's poor shooting performance proved detrimental.
LG struggled significantly, achieving only an 8% success rate on three-point attempts, making just two out of twenty-four shots. Their free throw percentage was also low, at 36%, with only five successful attempts out of fourteen. The defeat puts pressure on LG to perform in the second game of the series, scheduled for April 25, 2026, at the same venue.
This playoff series is particularly notable as it marks the first time Sono has reached this stage. After finishing fifth in the regular season, they triumphed over Seoul SK in the previous round, winning three consecutive games. This momentum carried into the semifinals, where they faced the formidable LG, who had just won the regular season championship and were looking to defend their title after winning the championship for the first time in 28 years last season.
Historically, teams that win the first game of the semifinals have a 78.6% chance of advancing to the finals. This statistic adds to the significance of Sono's victory, as they upset the top-seeded team and positioned themselves favorably in the playoff series.
During the match, LG initially controlled the game, taking advantage of their familiarity with the court and their strong defensive strategy. They led 19-11 at the end of the first quarter, bolstered by Marey's dominant rebounding and scoring. LG's performance, particularly in the first half, was characterized by aggressive defense and effective shooting, allowing them to maintain a lead going into halftime.
Looking ahead, both teams face challenges as they prepare for the second game of the series. For Sono, the immediate concern is the health of key players. Kevin Kembaow suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter after colliding with LG's Marey, and though he managed to finish the game, his status remains uncertain. Coach Son indicated that Kembaow's condition would need to be evaluated closely before the next match.
Similarly, player Choi Seung-wook exited the game due to abdominal or rib pain, and Im Dong-seob is also dealing with back issues. These injuries could significantly impact Sono's strategy moving forward, especially against a team like LG, which will be eager to bounce back.
On the other hand, LG's coach Jo Sang-hyun has stressed the need for his team to address their physical conditioning and shooting accuracy. He pinpointed the team's low three-point shooting percentage as a key factor in their loss and acknowledged that they must improve their execution in the upcoming game. "The players worked hard, and if we can maintain our energy and not let the atmosphere drop, we can turn this around," he stated, expressing confidence in his team's ability to respond.
The upcoming game on April 25 will be a decisive moment for both teams. LG will aim to reclaim their footing in the series, leveraging their experience as defending champions, whereas Sono will seek to capitalize on their newfound momentum and secure a second consecutive win, potentially putting them on the brink of a surprising finals appearance.