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In a commanding performance on their home court, Nairobi City Thunder secured their first-ever championship title with a decisive 38-point victory over Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in Game 3 of the 2024 KBF Premier League finals.
The victory, which came on Saturday night, marked a historic moment for Thunder, ending their 37-year wait for a championship since the league's inception.
What was anticipated to be a fiercely contested match turned into a dominant display by Thunder. They took control early, leading by 17 points at halftime, and extended their advantage to 28 points by the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw them widen the gap further, sealing the game with a final scoreline that reflected their superiority.
"It was massive for me. The sweetest moment was watching Coach Gaya and Griff (Griffins Ligare) embrace as Griff came off the court. They have been laboring with a lot less than what we had last year," said Nairobi City Thunder head coach Brad Ibs, expressing his joy and pride in the team's achievement.
Earlier, Coach Ibs had spoken about the team's focus and motivation despite the pressure of maintaining their unbeaten record. "At this point, there’s a lot to play for: We are playing for an unbeaten season, and we really want to get Griff a championship," he said.
Point guard Griffin Ligare, who was later named the Playoffs MVP, set the tone for the game, scoring nine points in the first quarter with a perfect 3-point shooting record. Ligare finished the night with 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, a stellar performance that contrasted with his more subdued showings in Games 1 and 2 of the finals.
Ligare, overwhelmed by the MVP award, struggled to find words to express his emotions. It was a fitting accolade for the veteran player in his 19th year of competition.
Despite the loss, KPA coach Cliff Owuor remained positive about the season. "We lost more than half the team that won the championship last year. Some of the players we groomed after that. We’ve had to work with our bench players," Owuor said, promising a strong comeback next season.
Albert Odero, who was named the season's MVP, also delivered an impressive performance for KPA, scoring 17 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and contributing three assists and a steal. Reflecting on the season, Odero said, "The team put in a lot of time. Management put in a lot of time. We weren’t just playing for fun. We were here to win something. We want to go to BAL."
Nairobi City Thunder's historic victory not only marks the pinnacle of their long journey but also sets a new standard for excellence in the KBF Premier League.
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