SK challenges for a miracle. LG aims for its first championship in history.

Seoul SK and Changwon LG will face off in the fifth game of the 2024-2025 KCC Professional Basketball Championship at 7 p.m. on the 13th at the Seoul Jamsil Student Gymnasium. The series score stands at LG 3, SK 1.

SK is on the brink. After losing the first three games, SK achieved its first win in the series with a 73-48 victory on the 11th in the opponent's territory. The heightened defensive intensity and the contributions from Kim Sun-hyung reignited the spark for a comeback.

On the other hand, LG is still sitting in an advantageous position. The full-court pressure and organized defense displayed through the third game, along with the dominance in the paint led by Asem Marey, and the attacking power spearheaded by Tamayo, disrupted the flow of the series. While the overwhelming defeat in the fourth game was shocking, it would be a stretch to say it completely shifted the overall momentum.

SK succeeded in the first counterattack of the fourth game. They showcased successful shots and high-density defense, and unlike the first three games, An Young-jun came alive, returning to Jamsil with a good feeling.

A reverse sweep, with three consecutive losses followed by four consecutive wins in the championship series, does not exist in KBL history. Since the inception of professional basketball in 1997, there has never been a case where a team down 0-3 in a best-of-seven series turned it around. This is also the first time that a team has won after three consecutive losses. SK has entered uncharted territory.

Before the match, SK coach Jeon Hee-cheol noted, "There are no changes in the strategy or tactics. It seems that we have found SK's unique regular league style of basketball. Rather than doing something unusual, we will focus on what we do well, specifically pushing Tamayo in the fourth game. We had a detailed meeting regarding our approach. We need to show a strong performance like in the fourth game."

He added, "I believe it will be very intense. Both LG and we have issues with shooting; which team can hit their shots will be key. The shots are not falling for us."

Coach Jeon said, "The game will likely swing back and forth due to shooting. It should be the most exciting game. I told the players to focus well on their choices and concentration. It’s necessary to remain calm. The outcome may come down to tiny details. We need to play calmly rather than emotionally."

He continued, "Today's order is to increase our speed. This is a series where comebacks are difficult. We must seize the initiative in the 1st and 2nd quarters. If we maintain the initiative, it will likely be the case that LG will be frustrated and struggle. I emphasized that we should increase our pace. Choices and concentration are key. If the players get greedy, we will be countered."

LG coach Jo Sang-hyun said, "I changed my outfit. I also chose a darker tie. Pink is nice. I have created the jinx with sincere hopes, but that's not important; it’s the players who have worked hard to create it. We lost significantly in the fourth game, but I saw the video and confirmed that I, too, was complacent in my approach."

He stated, "LG's pride was its defense, but we allowed 42 points in the first half of the fourth game. We were negligent in pressure and detail. As a result, many mistakes were made. I asked the players to pursue with resolve individually."

He pointed out, "We lost one game. I did not think about winning 4-0."

Coach Jo emphasized, "I instructed the team to go strong right from the first quarter. I told them not to fall behind in rebounds. The bench has to trust the players. I also think that while watching the fourth game, the winning comeback in the third game negatively affected our fourth game. I believe there was a mindset of 'we can manage it.' I plan to be even stronger at the beginning so we don’t fall behind."

He added, "There are no special words for the players. They are all doing well. Even if (Yoo) Gi-sang is not in form, I will utilize him," showing his trust.

Tamayo, who was active throughout the series, also struggled in the fourth game. Coach Jo commented, "It seems his condition has dropped. Since it wasn’t going well in offense, his focus wavered. He watched the video first and told me. I hope he brings energy in the basics rather than attempting to change our patterns significantly."

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