Miraculous Victory of TG

Now, LG Xers won the longed-for championship.

The 6th game of the 2002-2003 pro basketball championship held yesterday in Daegu. TG got off to a devastating start. It finished up the first quarter giving a 24-3 lead to Dongyang Orions. In the end, however, the Xers emerged as winner, pulling out a miraculous 67-63 victory.

Thus, for the first time in its team history, TG got to grab the championship title. Its predecessor Narae had to settle for the second spot in the 1997 season, losing the title to Kia.

Jackson`s vital contribution to TG’s victory earned him the MVP title. It was Jackson who made the game-winning shoot.

The phrase "surging waves" best characterizes yesterday`s game. Two teams played extreme to extreme. Players of both got extremely exhausted, as indicated by the 60 something scores. Thus, spirits determined the outcome in the game. Right upon the jump ball, TG Yang Kyung-min successfully made a three-pointer. Thereafter, however, Xers did not score any, wrapping up the first quarter 3-24. It is another humiliating record. At least, by this time, the victory seemed smiling on Dongyang.

The situation began to change from the second quarter. Sent in as substitute, TG Shin Jong-suk tried five three-pointers and made them all.

Stimulated by Shin and assisted by his shoots, TG ended the second quarter with a tie of 36-36.

The tug of war continued. Deep into the 4th quarter, Dongyang led the game again 58-52. At this critical moment, Jackson saved TG. Through the pressing defense, he shot three consecutive three-pointers through the net, turning over the game yet again for the Xers 61-60. It was 2 minutes and 40 seconds to the end.

He added one more two-point shoot and successfully made two free throws, giving a 65-60 lead to TG when it was 38 seconds to the end, and TG finally won the championship.

Won-Hong Lee Jong-Seok Kim bluesky@donga.com kjs0123@donga.com