This is what a true ‘ace’ looks like, and the regular season MVP proved it. Lee Jung-hyun (27) led the charge for Goyang Sono’s dramatic comeback, soaring in a must-win Game 4. He is the kind of player who can stand toe-to-toe with Busan KCC’s “Big Four” and single-handedly carry his team.
Sono had lost the first three games of the 2025–2026 LG Electronics Professional Basketball Championship Series. Game 4 on May 10 was a must-win, and they pulled off a thrilling 81-80 victory. After building a double-digit lead in the first half, they allowed a comeback in the second, turning the game into a tight fight. But Lee Jung-hyun was there when it mattered most.
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Sono’s Lee Jung-hyun drives the ball during Game 4 of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Pro Basketball Championship Series against KCC at Busan Sajik Gymnasium on May 10. Photo | KBL
Lee poured in 22 points, including six three-pointers, with 10 points alone in the fourth quarter. With 21 seconds left, he hit a three to give Sono an 80-79 lead. Then, with 0.9 seconds remaining and the score tied at 80-80, he earned free throws and made one. On the second attempt, he showed exceptional poise by intentionally missing, knowing the rebound would give KCC little time to score from distance. It was a display of both skill and composure.
Lee Jung-hyun celebrates after making the game-deciding free throw late in the fourth quarter of Game 4 against KCC. Photo | KBL
This season, Lee averaged 18.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, winning the regular season MVP award. He single-handedly lifted Sono from as low as 9th place to a 5th-place finish, then powered them through the quarterfinals and semifinals without hesitation.
In the championship series, despite the team’s struggles, Lee remains formidable. He is averaging 20.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, with a three-point shooting percentage of 44.7%.
Game 5 will be held in Goyang, on Sono’s home court. A win there would throw the series into uncertainty. That’s why Game 4 was so crucial, and Lee “hard-carried” his team to victory.
Lee Jung-hyun celebrates after making a three-pointer in Game 4. Photo | KBL
After the game, Lee said, “We were under a lot of pressure after three straight losses. It was a complex situation. We were up by double digits, then we got overtaken. But we fought back and got the win. I want to prepare well for Game 5 and get a good result.”
He also emphasized his determination: “We came from the bottom of the standings all the way to the championship series. We’ve grown so much. I feel like everything we’ve done so far hasn’t been for nothing. Physically, it’s incredibly tough, but KCC’s energy is also running low. It’s a battle of wills now.”
He added, “I’m just relieved we won today. We go back home now. I want to keep this winning momentum. My goal is to come back to Busan, so I’ll give everything in Game 5.”
Lee Jung-hyun cheers after scoring in Game 4. Photo | KBL
Nathan Knight is battling Shawn Long in the paint, and Keene Kembao is holding his own against strong defense. KCC may have its “Big Four,” but Sono’s “Triangular Formation” is no pushover. At the center of it all is Lee Jung-hyun. He leads the offense, hits shots from anywhere, and has the charisma to unite the team. No matter how strong KCC is, controlling Lee is no easy task. A true ace is always powerful. For Sono, the championship series may have just truly begun.
Lee Jung-hyun celebrates after scoring in Game 4. Photo | KBL