Goyang Sono on Verge of History After Stunner Against Seoul SK in KBL Playoffs

The Goyang Sono Skygunners have pushed themselves to the precipice of a franchise milestone. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Sono secured a gritty 80-72 comeback victory over the Seoul SK Knights at the Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium in Seoul, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 LG 전자 프로농구 (KBL) 6-team playoffs.

With this win, Sono has entered the “golden zone” of KBL postseason history. Statistically, every team in the history of the 6-team playoffs that has won the first two games has advanced to the semi-finals—a perfect 25-for-25 record. For a franchise chasing its first-ever appearance in the final four, the goal is now just one win away.

A Tale of Two Halves: The Third Quarter Surge

For the first 20 minutes of the contest, it appeared that Seoul SK would reclaim the momentum after being dismantled 105-76 in Game 1. The Knights came out aggressive, utilizing a barrage of perimeter shooting to build an early cushion. Behind the efforts of Kim Nak-hyun, Choi Won-hyuk and Kim Hyung-bin, SK exploded for 17 points in the opening five minutes, closing the first quarter with a 26-15 lead.

The dominance continued into the second frame, with SK heading into the locker room at halftime leading 46-33. Although, the game shifted violently in the third quarter. In a stunning 10-minute stretch, Goyang Sono ignited a 30-7 run, erasing the 14-point deficit and seizing control of the game in a definitive tactical shift.

This surge wasn’t just about scoring; it was about a defensive lockdown that left the Knights searching for answers. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the momentum had swung entirely in Sono’s favor, allowing them to weather SK’s late attempts to rally.

The Engine: Lee Jung-hyun and the Supporting Cast

The victory was fueled by a masterclass performance from regular-season MVP Lee Jung-hyun. Lee acted as the focal point of the offense, finishing the night with 22 points—including three three-pointers—along with six assists and one steal.

While Lee provided the fireworks, the Skygunners’ depth proved decisive. Kevin Cambao contributed 19 points and five assists, while Lim Dong-seop added 13 points to the tally. The scoring effort was rounded out by Choi Seung-wook and Kang Ji-hoon, who chipped in 10 points each.

Defensively, Nathan Knight played a pivotal role in neutralizing SK’s primary threat. Knight focused his efforts on Jamil Warney, recording 6 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists while limiting Warney’s impact on the overall flow of the game.

SK’s Struggle and the Shadow of Controversy

Despite the loss, Jamil Warney remained a force for the Knights, posting a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Alvin Tolentino added 10 points, but their efforts were insufficient to overcome Sono’s third-quarter explosion.

The defeat comes at a precarious time for the Seoul SK Knights. Beyond the struggle on the court, the organization has faced scrutiny following allegations that they intentionally lost their final regular-season game to avoid a matchup with Busan KCC. Now facing a potential exit from the playoffs, the Knights are fighting not only for a spot in the semi-finals but to salvage their season’s reputation.

By the Numbers: The Road to the Semi-Finals

The disparity between the two games in this series highlights Sono’s versatility. After a dominant blowout in Game 1, they proved they could win a close, contested battle in Game 2.

• Game 1 Result: Goyang Sono 105, Seoul SK 76
• Game 2 Result: Goyang Sono 80, Seoul SK 72
• Key Sequence: 30-7 scoring run by Sono in the 3rd Quarter of Game 2
• Historical Probability: 100% (25/25 teams winning first two games advance)

For those following the league’s progress, the KBL official website provides updated standings and full box scores as the playoffs progress.

What’s Next for Goyang Sono?

The Skygunners now hold a 2-0 lead in this best-of-five series. They are one victory away from securing the first semi-final berth in franchise history. Having proven they can win both as a juggernaut and as a comeback team, Sono enters the next match with immense confidence and the statistical wind at their backs.

The Seoul SK Knights, conversely, are staring at the brink of elimination. They must find a way to disrupt Sono’s rhythm and stop the bleeding in the second half of the game if they hope to become the first team in KBL history to overcome a 0-2 deficit in the 6-team playoffs.

Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the 2025-26 KBL playoffs. Do you think Sono will close the series in Game 3, or can SK pull off a historic comeback? Let us know in the comments.