TPBL Dreamers' Team Defense Shuts Down Kings, Keeps Championship Hopes Alive

(Central News Agency, reporter Chen Rong-shen, Taichung, June 2) Facing elimination, the Formosa Dreamers of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) delivered a dominant defensive performance at home on Sunday, crushing the defending champion New Taipei Kings 105-69 to force a Game 6 in the best-of-seven championship series, now trailing 2-3.

Playing with their backs against the wall and without injured import Aric Holman, the Dreamers showcased a completely different energy. Their defense was the key, limiting the Kings to a championship series-low 69 points. They built an early lead and cruised to a 36-point victory.

The Dreamers jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, powered by imports Brandon Gilbeck and Trey Thompkins, along with scoring from Lin Chun-chi. They maintained the pressure after halftime with a balanced scoring attack to seal the game.

Thompkins led the Dreamers with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Gilbeck contributed 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Point guard Chiang Yu-an added 14 points and 3 assists, while Lin Chun-chi came off the bench to score 13 points with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

Dreamers head coach Chien Hao told reporters after the game, "I told the players to take it one game at a time and never give up. The ball is round. Our home fans gave us tremendous energy. The players shot with confidence when they had the chance and shared the ball as the coaching staff asked. That was the key to changing the game."

Chiang Yu-an said, "Our mission was to make their point guard, Jeremy Lin, uncomfortable. On offense, I tried to get everyone involved. This is just one win. There's still a long way to go. We'll keep preparing for the next game."

Chien Hao added that in the next game at the Kings' home court, he hopes the referees will pay attention to the dirty plays of Austin Daye and Jason Washburn. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150602