KBL fans’ hearts must be pounding these days, right? The 2025-2026 LG Electronics Pro Basketball Quarterfinals Playoffs (PO) have finally begun, and the basketball fever is heating up. Among them, the most talked-about matchup is undoubtedly between Wonju DB and Busan KCC. Since these two teams, who fiercely battled for 3rd and 6th place until the end of the regular season, are meeting again in the playoffs, it must be fate, wouldn’t you agree? In particular, the result of Game 1 of the Quarterfinals PO held on April 13th at Wonju DB Promy Arena surprised many fans.
In fact, with both teams evenly matched at 3 wins and 3 losses in the regular season, it wouldn’t have been strange for either team to win. However, Busan KCC took Game 1, played at home, with a score of 81-78. KCC, having secured a valuable win on enemy territory, now boasts an incredible record: a 91.1% chance of advancing to the semifinals for teams that win Game 1 of the Quarterfinals PO. Honestly, DB fans must be losing sleep over this. I’m really curious whether DB can succeed in a counterattack in Game 2, which takes place today (April 15th), or if KCC will continue its momentum.
KCC’s Perfect Early Dominance in Game 1, The Weight of a Record 91.1% Probability
On the 13th, Game 1 of the Quarterfinals Playoffs, held at Wonju DB’s home court, was truly a nail-biting contest. As expected, both teams played a fierce game, but ultimately, the goddess of victory sided with Busan KCC. KCC’s concentration was remarkable, especially considering it was an away game. Ace Song Kyo-chang led the team’s offense with 20 points, and Shawn Long also contributed significantly to the victory with a double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds.
The 91.1% chance of advancing to the semifinals that KCC gained by winning Game 1 is not just a number. It’s a huge statistic that in 51 out of 56 previous Quarterfinals PO series, the team that won Game 1 went on to win the series. Perhaps that’s why KCC players can prepare for Game 2 with a more relaxed attitude. On the other hand, DB is now in a situation where they have to overcome the pressure of this number. Having suffered a disappointing loss in Game 1, they will need to show even more desperation in Game 2.
- Song Kyo-chang’s performance: Led the team’s offense with 20 points in Game 1.
- Shawn Long’s double-double: Played a decisive role in KCC’s victory with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
- Record-breaking winning percentage: The probability of the team winning Game 1 of the Quarterfinals PO advancing to the semifinals is an astonishing 91.1%.
Wonju DB, A Do-or-Die Game 2 on the Brink
For Wonju DB, Game 2 of the Quarterfinals Playoffs, held today (April 15th), is truly a do-or-die situation. In a best-of-five series, there has never been a case where a team that lost both Game 1 and Game 2 advanced to the semifinals with a reverse sweep. This means that if DB loses Game 2, their spring basketball season is effectively over. In Game 1, DB was leading 64-62 at the start of the 4th quarter, but ultimately lost due to a lack of concentration in the final moments.
DB is a strong team that relies on star foreign players like Henry Ellenson and Ethan Alvano to score points. In particular, in the last regular season game, Ellenson put on a monstrous performance with 39 points and 20 rebounds, defeating KCC and securing 3rd place in the regular season. Although the Game 1 loss was painful, they confirmed the possibility of competing in a close game. In Game 2, they desperately need that extra 2% of concentration and the resilience to not falter in critical moments.
- Coach Kim Joo-sung’s determination: Showed his will to secure a win for the fans in Game 2 and then head to Busan.
- Expectations for Ellenson-Alvano: Attention is focused on whether DB’s key foreign players will show explosive scoring in Game 2.
- Rebound battle: Many analyses suggest that a turnaround in the rebound battle, where they were outplayed in Game 1, is desperately needed.
The Revival of ‘Super Team’ KCC and DB’s Counterattack Scenario
Busan KCC, which earned the nickname ‘Super Team’ at the beginning of the season, actually struggled for a while due to an injury curse. They even earned the ignominious nickname ‘injury ward’ due to successive injuries to key players. However, they are now said to have regained a near-complete roster after reorganizing before the playoffs. The Game 1 victory can be seen as a signal of KCC’s revival. Their offensive options have diversified, and their roster, with both height and outside shooting, is particularly threatening in short series.
That being said, Wonju DB is by no means a team that will simply back down. They are a team with enough potential to have finished 3rd in the regular season. From DB’s perspective, they need to maximize their strengths, such as Alvano’s fluid play and their height-based basketball, to counter KCC’s fast-paced game and rebounding advantage. If they can compensate for the shortcomings of Game 1 and ride the enthusiastic support of their home fans, I believe they can successfully counterattack. Basketball is a game of momentum, isn’t it? DB’s strength lies in its ability to surge forward once it catches momentum.
- KCC’s ‘complete’ roster: Key players who recovered from injuries have returned, restoring the ‘Super Team’ glory from the beginning of the season.
- DB’s strengths: Ethan Alvano’s fluid play and utilizing the team’s height in offense are key counterattack scenarios.
- Playoff variables: Short series differ from the regular season, so the team that catches momentum may have an advantage.
The Quarterfinals Playoffs between Wonju DB and Busan KCC are truly providing unpredictable excitement. KCC took Game 1, but no one knows what DB will show in Game 2, which takes place today, do they? As a basketball fan, I’m just grateful to be able to watch such a great game. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series to see where this fierce battle will end. Are you all ready to watch the game live?