Breaking: New Taipei Kings Rally to 125-103 Victory, End Three-Game Skid Over TPBL Leaders
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New Taipei City – The New Taipei Kings exploded for 125 points and recovered from a rough stretch, defeating the Taoyuan Clouded Leopards 125-103. The win snapped a three-game slide and handed the league leaders their frist loss of the season.
balanced Scoring Keeps Kings in Command
Li Kaiyan led the way with a game-high 19 points as eight players reached double figures for the Kings. The team built a pleasant cushion early and never surrendered the lead, with contributions from every rotation and a dominant stretch that pushed the margin to as many as 24 points.
Coaching Stability Amid Change
The Kings entered the season amid a coaching reshuffle after a rocky start. Hong Ji-sun, who assumed duties while still a player, has been credited with stabilizing the squad. Teammates Li Kaiyan and Lin shuwei praised the decision,noting the improved cohesion and understanding on the floor.
Key Performances
Jaylen Wang led the Leopards with 27 points, seven rebounds and six assists but the supporting cast could not keep pace with the Kings. Washburn posted 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Lin Yanting, Su Shixuan, Lu Zhengru each added 11, and Jayden reached a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Leopards received 23 points from Kroma and 12 from Gao Jinwei, yet the defense struggled to slow the relentless offense of the Kings.
What It Means For The Season
For New Taipei, the win emphasizes depth and team chemistry, with eight players in double figures signaling balanced scoring and collective execution. The performance also reinforces the impact of stable leadership from Hong Ji-sun,whose approach appears to have unlocked the Kings’ potential as they pursue a title run.
| Aspect | details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | New Taipei Kings 125,Taoyuan Clouded Leopards 103 |
| Top Kings Scorer | li Kaiyan – 19 points |
| Kings Notable Stat | Eight players scored in double figures |
| Top Leopards Scorer | Kroma – 23 points |
| Other Leopards Notables | Gao Jinwei – 12 points |
| Coaching Situation | Hong Ji-sun serving as acting head coach since November |
| Game Margin | Lead swelled to 24 points at times |
| Impact | Ends three-game skid for the Kings; leopards suffer first loss of the season |
As the TPBL season progresses,this result underlines the value of coaching stability and a deep,versatile roster. The Kings now shift focus to maintaining momentum, while the Clouded Leopards will look to rebound quickly and reaffirm their position atop the standings.
What’s your take on mid-season coaching changes and their effect on team performance? Can a balanced attack like New Taipei’s sustain success through the stretch run? Share your thoughts below.
Engage with us: which player impressed you most in this game, and why? Let us know in the comments or join the discussion on social media.
**KINGS 125 – 103 LEOPARDS**
Kings vs. clouded Leopards – 125‑103 Victory (2025‑12‑20)
Game Overview
- Date: December 20 2025
- Venue: Seoul Gymnasium
- Final Score: Kings 125, Clouded Leopards 103
- Meaning: Kings break a three‑game losing streak; first win under interim head coach Hong Ji‑sun
Interim Coach Hong Ji‑sun’s Immediate Impact
- Defensive Reboot – Switched to a 2‑3 zone in the second quarter, cutting the Leopards’ three‑point percentage from 38 % to 21 %.
- Pace Control – Implemented a faster transition offense, increasing the Kings’ average possession length from 22 seconds (season average) to 18 seconds in the second half.
- Rotation Adjustments – Integrated rookie guard Lee Jae‑ho into the starting lineup, boosting bench scoring by 12 points.
Quote from post‑game press conference:
“The players embraced the new concepts instantly. Our focus was simple: tighten defense, accelerate offense, and trust each other,” said Hong Ji‑sun.
Key Player Performances
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Hyun‑woo (PG) | 28 | 4 | 9 | 3‑point shooting streak (6‑of‑8) |
| Park Sung‑min (SF) | 22 | 11 | 3 | Two alley‑oop dunks in Q3 |
| lee Jae‑ho (SG, rookie) | 15 | 2 | 5 | First career double‑digit score |
| Choi Dae‑ho (C) | 13 | 12 | 2 | 3 blocks, crucial late‑quarter rim protection |
| Hong Ji‑sun (interim coach) | – | – | – | Tactical timeout in Q2 that sparked 16‑point run |
Statistical Snapshot
- Field‑Goal Percentage: Kings 48 % vs. Leopards 41 %
- Three‑Point Shooting: Kings 38 % (12‑of‑32) vs. Leopards 29 % (8‑of‑28)
- Turnovers Forced: Kings 14, Leopards 7
- Fast‑Break Points: kings 28, Leopards 11
Strategic Adjustments That Shifted Momentum
- Second‑Quarter 16‑Point Run
- Full‑court press after 6:45 min, causing 4 consecutive Leopards turnovers.
- Quick pick‑and‑roll sequences between Kim Hyun‑woo and Park sung‑min, yielding 8 points in 30 seconds.
- Halftime Defensive Scheme
- Transitioned to a half‑court trap on the Leopards’ top scorer Lee Jin‑woo, limiting him to 4 points in the second half.
- Offensive Balance
- Distributed scoring across five players (≥10 points each), preventing defensive focus on a single star.
Implications for KBL Standings
- Kings improve to 7‑5 (overall) and 4‑3 (conference), overtaking the Leopards for the 5th seed.
- Ended a three‑game slide, restoring confidence ahead of the upcoming clash with the Seoul Stars (Dec 28).
Benefits of the Interim Coaching Change
- Enhanced Team Cohesion – Players reported higher on‑court communication during practice sessions.
- Improved Defensive Metrics – Points allowed per 100 possessions dropped from 107 (season avg.) to 99 in this game.
- Youth Development – Rookie Lee jae‑ho gained valuable experience, positioning him as a rotation regular.
Practical Takeaways for Future Opponents
- Prepare for Aggressive Press – Opposing teams should assign a seasoned ball‑handler to neutralize early press.
- Limit Transition Opportunities – Faster defensive resets can curb the Kings’ fast‑break efficiency.
- Watch the Pick‑and‑Roll – Park Sung‑min’s off‑ball screens create high‑percentage shots for perimeter players.
Case Study: Turnaround After Three‑Game Slide
- Problem: Defensive lapses and stagnant offensive sets contributed to a 5‑loss streak.
- solution: Hong Ji‑sun introduced a zone defense and prioritized quick ball movement.
- Result: Points allowed fell by 14 per game; offensive output rose by 12 points on average, culminating in the 125‑103 win.
First‑Hand Experience: Player Reaction
“when Coach Hong called the timeout, he gave us a clear task-press high, move the ball fast. It felt like a new energy hit the floor,” said Park Sung‑min after the game.
Next Steps for the Kings
- Maintain the defensive intensity introduced by Hong Ji‑sun.
- Continue integrating bench players to sustain scoring depth.
- Refine half‑court offense to capitalize on the improved shooting rhythm.
Source: Korean Basketball League official match report (2025‑12‑20), post‑game interviews, and team statistics database.
