Kang Sang-jae (200 cm, F) is the cornerstone of the ‘DB Acid’.
Wonju DB defeated Anyang Jungkwanjang 99-84 in the regular season of the 2023-2024 Jungkwanjang Professional Basketball League on Thursday at Anyang Indoor Gymnasium.
With the victory, DB won its third straight game and improved to 30-9 on the season.
In this game, DB took advantage of the fast break from the first quarter, capitalizing on rebounds and steals. The ballhandling of Lee Sun Albano (185 cm, G) lured the Jeong Kwanjang defense and opened up shooting opportunities for the big men, including Dedrick Lawson (202 cm, F), Kang Sang-jae and Kim Jong-kyu (207 cm, C).
DB took a 57-42 lead into the second quarter, but found themselves trailing 79-72 at one point in the fourth quarter when they brought in their sixth man. Fortunately, DB was able to hold on for the win on the road behind Lawson’s 14-point performance in the fourth quarter.
While Lawson and Albano played a big role in DB’s victory, we can’t forget about their key forward, Kang Sang-jae.
Sharing the post with Kim Jong-kyu from the first quarter onward, Sang-jae Kang didn’t look out of place against Jung Kwan-jang’s Robert Carter Jr. and Lee Jong-hyun. In particular, he grabbed four defensive rebounds to create fast breaks for DB, and he also played a two-man game with Albano to find open space for a daring layup.
Kang didn’t score in the second quarter, but he focused on rebounds and assists. He actively participated in rebounding by boxing out, using the defense of Kim Jong-kyu and Lawson to his advantage, and didn’t forget about team play as he helped set up Albano’s three and Lawson’s free throws.
After warming up in the second quarter, Kang’s scoring exploded in the third quarter, especially in the third quarter, when he hit two 3-pointers and was able to take advantage of gaps in Jung’s defense. Kang Sang-jae scored 10 points in the third quarter alone, forming an offensive trio with Lawson and Albano.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the score at 99-80, Kang fulfilled his role perfectly and went to the bench.
On the night, Kang finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven 사설 토토사이트 assists in 38 minutes and seven seconds of action. He shot 67% (10-of-15) from the field, second only to Lawson, who shot 68% (15-of-22).
DB coach Kim Joo-sung expressed his satisfaction with Kang Sang-jae in a postgame interview, saying, “I think we won the game because our performance improved and Kang Sang-jae made good 3-pointers and rebounds.”
This season, Kang is averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds per game. His scoring average this season is the highest since his debut, which is a result of the combination of Albano and the triple-post pairing of Lawson and Kim Jong-kyu.
Kang will be eligible for free agency after this season. With DB currently ranked No. 1, he’ll be looking for his first major championship since turning pro. If Kang Sang-jae can maintain his current pace and harmonize with his teammates, it will be interesting to see if he can win a championship and hit the free agency jackpot.
