TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Formosa Dreamers kept their championship hopes alive Tuesday with a dominant 105-69 victory over the defending champion New Taipei Kings, cutting their deficit in the Taiwan Professional Basketball League finals to 3-2.
Facing elimination in the best-of-seven championship series, the Dreamers delivered a strong defensive performance despite the absence of Aric Holman. The Kings' 69-point output was their lowest scoring total of the finals as the Dreamers cruised to a 36-point win on their home court, per CNA.
The Dreamers established control early, using a balanced offensive attack led by Brandon Gilbeck and Trey Thompkins, along with contributions from Lin Chun-chi (林俊吉). The hosts built a double-digit first-quarter lead and never looked back.
Thompkins finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Gilbeck added 16 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, while point guard Chiang Yu-an (蔣淯安) contributed 14 points and three assists. Lin scored 13 points off the bench while adding five rebounds and three assists.
After the game, Chiang said his primary defensive assignment was to pressure Kings point guard Lin Shu-wei (林書緯) while continuing to direct the Dreamers' offense. "It's just one game. There is still a long way to go," Chiang said. "We will continue to work hard and prepare for the next game," per CNA.
Dreamers head coach Douglas Creighton said he encouraged his players to focus on one game at a time and never give up, noting that momentum can shift quickly in a playoff series. Creighton credited the home crowd's energy, improved ball movement, and his players' confidence in their shooting for helping reverse the team's fortunes.
The Dreamers have forced Game 6 on Thursday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium, home court of the Kings. Creighton expressed hope that officials would pay closer attention to the physical play of Kings players Austin Daye and Jason Washburn as the series returns to New Taipei.
