Weekly Review

Sakers escape from the bottom before the All-Star break

The Changwon LG Sakers likely have big hopes for 2016 as they have finally escaped from the bottom.

The Sakers, which finished fourth last season, are on a three-game winning streak for the first time this season after sweeping all three games last week.

The team’s rally started by beating Anyang KGC 87-78 away last Wednesday, followed by another 87-78 win over the Busan KT Sonicboom on New Year’s Day. They knocked out the Wonju Dongbu Promy 82-77 on Sunday.

However, the Sakers’ unbeaten streak could come to an end this Wednesday as they travel to face the No. 1 Ulsan Mobis Phoebus.

The Phoebus ended their two-game losing streak on Sunday after beating the Seoul Samsung Thunders 77-74. The team has never lost to the Sakers this season, going 4-0.

For this week, the teams only play one game, as the All-Star Game is set for Sunday.

The Seoul SK Knights are in a similar situation as the Sakers. This season, the team has yet to win three games in a row, but they now have a chance after beating the Incheon ET Land Elephants and the Phoebus last week. However, it could be tough as the Knights are facing the No. 2 Goyang Orion Orions on Wednesday.

At this moment, the hottest team is the Jeonju KCC Egis, which is looking to extend its winning streak to five before the All-Star Game. The team will play the Thunders on Wednesday.

On the other hand, the Incheon ET Land Elephants are desperately in need of a win as they have lost their last seven games and have finally landed on the bottom.

The Elephants, which reached the semifinals of the KBL playoffs last season, are meeting the KGC tonight.

The Wonju Dongbu Promy also host the Busan KT Sonicboom tonight and hope to end their two-game losing streak.

Player in focus: Kim Jong-kyu (LG Sakers)

In the Changwon LG Sakers’ three-game winning streak, many fans have noted the performance of Troy Gillenwater, currently the top scorer in the KBL.

However, in the last three games, Kim Jong-kyu has also contributed. In particular, the 24-year-old center had a season-high 24 points in addition to his three blocks on Friday against the Busan KT Sonicboom. On Sunday against the Promy, Kim notched 17 points and eight rebounds to lead his team’s victory.

The Kyung Hee University graduate is currently averaging 12.9 points, 6.5 rebounds per game. He will also play the All-Star Game on Sunday.

After milestone, Promy’s Kim sidelined by a knee injury

Wonju Dongbu Promy center Kim Joo-sung made history on Dec. 30 when he became the first player in the KBL to get a career 1,000th block. During the game against the Goyang Orion Orions, Kim blocked Joe Jackson’s shot to achieve the milestone.

Things have been disastrous for Kim ever since.

In a game against the Seoul Samsung Thunders on the New Year’s Day, Kim injured his left knee during the fourth quarter after a collision with Promy guard Doo Kyung-min.

According to the Promy, the 36-year-old veteran’s left knee ligament is damaged, sidelining him for at least three weeks.

Kim’s absence is another headache for the Promy, as forward Yoon Ho-young is also out with a lower back injury. Yoon is expected to have surgery this month.