Kim Nak-hyeon (184cm, G)’s judgment of the situation was a key factor in advancing to the Sangmu final.
Sangmu defeated Daegu Korea Gas Corporation 79-64 in the semifinals of the 2022-2023 KBL D-League held at LG Champions Park in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do on the 21st. They compete for the championship trophy with Changwon LG, who defeated Suwon KT.
Kim Nak-hyun was included in the starting lineup along with Heo Hoon. Both Kim Nak-hyun and Heo Hoon are guards with offense, 2-on-2 deployment, and the ability to control the tempo of the game. The combination of the two players also had a synergistic effect at the KBL Cup held in October 2022.
Kim Nak-hyun carried the ball first. He attacked Korea Gas Corporation’s local defenses at the tower. After he blocked Korea Gas Corporation’s pass path, he also made an effortless layup. Nak-Hyun Kim took center stage as a point guard, and Sang-mu took a 15-6 lead 4 minutes and 12 seconds before the end of the first quarter.
As mentioned earlier, Kim Nak-hyun is a guard who can both pass and attack. After utilizing the screen, he made a runaway score with a three-point shot followed by a one-dribble.
Also, when Heo Hoon was assembling the game, Kim Nak-hyun created a shooting opportunity with a ball-free movement. He made good use of the strengths of the two-guard system. 7 points (2 points: 2/2, 3 points: 1/3), 1 rebound and 1 steal in the 1st quarter alone. It contributed to Sangmu’s 12-point advantage (22-10).
Kim Nak-hyun focused on carrying the ball at the beginning of the second quarter. The other four, including Heo Hoon, paid attention to creating attack opportunities. He also focused on his duties as a point guard, such as stealing defense and quick turnover.
However, the offensive power fell compared to the first quarter. He attempted 3 field goals (2 points: 1, 3 points: 2) in the 5 minutes after the start of the 2nd quarter, but all failed. The managing director also failed to widen the gap with Korea Gas Corporation. They spent a long time with a 12-point advantage.
However, Kim Nak-hyun dealt with it skillfully. After mixing dribbling and shooting moves, he faked a foul from a defender. He mastered his shooting skills with two free throws. In the next attack, a right hand layup followed by a breakthrough. The single fast attack following the steel made Korea Gas Corporation more collapsed.
Kim Nak-hyun also played a big role in the second quarter with 6 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist. Although he did not score 3 points, he had good offensive and defensive balance. Thanks to that, Sangmu also finished the first half with 43-23.
Kim Nak-hyun showed his signature move from the start of the 3rd quarter. After a 2-2, he formed a ball flow with a snake dribble that tore between two defenders, and then created a breakthrough opportunity with a ball-free move. After breaking through, a one-time quick scoop shot. He showed class from his first score in the third quarter. 안전놀이터
Kim Nak-hyun, who showed dribbling and breaking through, also recovered his shooting sense. Successful 3-point shot from the front. After that, he also created scoring opportunities for his teammates with calm play.
Even when the director’s concentration was shaken, Kim Nak-hyun did his part. In particular, 3 minutes and 53 seconds before the end of the game, he succeeded in a left-handed layup and foul free throw following a Euro step. This became the deciding score (69-54). Kim Nak-hyun finished the game with 26 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and 1 steal. I digested 40 minutes full time.
Kim Nak-Hyun destroyed Korea Gas Corporation, his former team, with a play that suits the situation. At the same time, he led his current team, Sangmu, to the finals. For the first time in his life, he got a chance to win the D-League. The last game of the D-League, which Kim Nak-hyun will play as a soldier, will be held at LG Champions Park at 2:00 pm on the 27th. Opponent is LG.
