Underdog Sonoh Sky Soars: Sweeps Top-Seeded LG to Reach First-Ever KBL Finals

CATANIA, South Korea — History wasn’t just made on Monday night at Goyang Sono Arena — it was rewritten. The Sonoh Sky, a team that finished fifth in the regular season, completed an improbable playoff run by sweeping the top-seeded LG Sakers 90-80 in Game 3 of the KBL semifinals, securing their first-ever trip to the championship series.

The victory wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. Sonoh became only the second fifth-seeded team in KBL history to reach the finals, and they did it in dominant fashion, stringing together six straight playoff victories after entering the postseason as underdogs. Their playoff journey has been nothing short of extraordinary: a 3-0 sweep of fourth-seeded Seoul SK in the quarterfinals, followed by this stunning three-game dismantling of the regular-season champion LG.

A Night of Dominance and Determination

The final game of the series was a microcosm of Sonoh’s playoff resilience. After winning the first two games in dramatic fashion — both by comeback victories — the Sky didn’t leave anything to chance in Game 3. They jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, controlling the tempo from the opening tip.

Guard Lee Geun-jun set the tone early with a “surprise performance,” draining four three-pointers in the first half to give Sonoh a comfortable cushion. By halftime, the Sky led by double digits, and the LG Sakers — a team that had dominated the regular season with a league-best record — looked visibly rattled.

The scoring was balanced and relentless. Veteran guard Lee Jung-hyun led the charge with 17 points, while Kevin Kemba added 17 of his own. Lee Jae-do chipped in with 14, and Nathan Knight rounded out the attack with 10. In total, six Sonoh players reached double figures, showcasing the depth and versatility that has defined their playoff run.

A Playoff Run for the Ages

Sonoh’s journey to the finals has been one of the most unexpected stories in recent KBL history. Entering the playoffs as the fifth seed, they were written off by many as a longshot. But from the first game of the quarterfinals, they played with a confidence and cohesion that belied their regular-season struggles.

Their sweep of Seoul SK in the first round was impressive, but their dismantling of LG — the team that had finished 15 games ahead of them in the regular-season standings — was nothing short of shocking. LG, the defending champions, entered the series as heavy favorites, but Sonoh’s relentless defense and clutch shooting proved too much to handle.

Statistically, the series was a masterclass in execution. Sonoh shot over 50% from the field in all three games, and their defense held LG’s high-powered offense to under 85 points in each contest. The Sky’s ability to control the pace and limit LG’s transition opportunities was a key factor in their success.

LG’s Historic Collapse

For LG, the loss was not just disappointing — it was historic. The Sakers became the first top-seeded team in KBL history to be swept out of the playoffs, a stunning fall from grace for a team that had dominated the regular season with a 38-16 record.

The defeat has sparked immediate scrutiny of LG’s coaching staff, with some analysts already questioning the team’s preparation and in-game adjustments. Head coach Cho Sang-hyun faced criticism for his lineup decisions and inability to counter Sonoh’s offensive schemes. In a post-game statement, former player and current analyst Cho Sang-hyun (no relation) didn’t mince words: “This is entirely the coach’s responsibility.”

The loss also raises questions about LG’s future. The Sakers have now failed to defend their title, and with key players entering free agency, the team could seem very different next season.

What’s Next for Sonoh?

Sonoh’s fairy-tale run isn’t over yet. The Sky will now face the winner of the other semifinal series between Seoul Samsung and Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in the KBL Finals, which begin on May 3. While they enter the championship series as underdogs once again, their playoff performance has already cemented their place in KBL history.

For a team that was largely overlooked during the regular season, Sonoh has captured the imagination of basketball fans across South Korea. Their story is a reminder that in the playoffs, seeding doesn’t always dictate destiny — heart, execution, and belief do.

As the Sky prepare for their first-ever championship series, one thing is clear: this team is playing for more than just a title. They’re playing for respect, for history, and for the chance to prove that anything is possible in the postseason.