TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former NBA player Jeremy Lin (林書豪) on Sunday led all scorers as he propelled the New Taipei Kings to their first Taiwan Professional Basketball League championship in a win over the Kaohsiung FamilyMart Aquas.
The TPBL Finals came down to a do-or-die Game 7 on Sunday, per Liberty Times. Returning to their home court, the Kings started strong with a 21-7 run over the Aquas.
Lin scored 10 points in the first, helping the Kings finish the quarter up 35–18. The Aquas continued to struggle in the second. Key players Hu Long-mao (胡瓏貿) and Su Wen-Ju (蘇文儒) quickly racked up three fouls each, and the team committed a series of turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Kings found offense from multiple players, with Austin Daye scoring 10 points in the quarter. By halftime, the Kings led by 23 points.
Lin takes three-point shot over two defenders. (CNA photo)
In the third, Aquas players Kaleb Wesson and Craig Sword combined for 16 points, briefly cutting the deficit to 13 late in the quarter. But Lin responded with a three to halt their momentum.
Kenny Manigault, Jason Washburn, and Lin's younger brother, Joseph Lin (林書緯), also contributed on offense. The Kings opened the fourth quarter with a 13–0 run. The Kings cruised to a final score of 108–89.
Lin led the Kings with 27 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. He was named Finals MVP to go with the regular season MVP award he received on June 14.
The Lin brothers won their first title with the New Taipei Kings last year in the PLG. After moving to the newly formed TPBL this season, they finished with the best regular-season record and were considered favorites to win the inaugural championship.
New Taipei Kings celebrate championship win. (CNA photo)
Lin holds MVP trophy. (CNA photo)