December 25, 2024 – Okinawa Arena, Okinawa, Japan

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The Ryukyu Golden Kings become the first team to secure a 2025 EASL Final Four berth after defeating the New Taipei Kings, 82-74.

Ryukyu stayed undefeated despite a tightly contested game between the two teams, which saw 12 lead changes. The Golden Kings led by as much as nine points, showcasing their ability to maintain control under pressure.

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Golden Kings’ star guard Ryuichi Kishimoto earned his first EASL Player of the Game honors this season, after recording a season-high 20 points on 64% shooting.

Post-Game Triple:

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1. Golden Kings Punch Ticket to Final Four

Fueled by last season’s disappointment of missing the 2024 EASL Final Four, Ryukyu’s goal this season was clear: get into the Final Four and win the EASL title.

Ryukyu became one of the league’s most feared teams, pulling off four straight wins to start the season.

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In their matchup against New Taipei, they held the lead for over 35 minutes. Every time New Taipei threatened to close the gap, Ryukyu had an answer of their own.

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While the Golden Kings haven’t won a game by more than 10 or more points yet, their ability to finish close contests has positioned themselves to win Group B and possibly… it all.

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2. Kishimoto’s Clutch Performance

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Ryuichi Kishimoto’s standout performance came full circle after a tough memory from last season. He was on the court when New Taipei’s Jeremy Lin hit a game-icing 3-pointer on Jan. 10, securing a Final Four berth for the Kings.

This time, Kishimoto turned the tables.

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With the clock winding down with seconds to go, the Golden Kings up by 3, Kishimoto pulls up from the elbow and gets the friendly roll to ice the game, putting the Golden Kings up by 6.

The clutch shot ensured Ryukyu’s place in the 2025 Final Four, echoing Lin’s decisive moment from the previous season.

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3. Rematch on the Horizon

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EASL fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter in this rivalry.

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The familiar foes will face off again in two weeks on Jan. 8 at New Taipei City’s Xinzhuang Gymnasium.

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The Golden Kings currently lead the all-time series 2-1. But with the Kings carrying two losses on their record, they are in must-win territory to clinch a spot in the upcoming 2025 EASL Final Four.

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Will Ryukyu continue their dominance, or will the New Taipei Kings bounce back to even their record?

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EASL Player of the Game: Ryuichi Kishimoto - Ryukyu Golden Kings

Ryuichi Kishimoto was lights-out from deep on Wednesday, going 6-of-7 from 3-point range against the New Taipei Kings to finish the game with 20 points on 64% shooting.

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Of his 6 3-pointers of the game, none was bigger than the dagger from the elbow with the clock winding down to give the Golden Kings a two-possession lead.

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Kishimoto also added 2 rebounds and 3 assists in the game.

Stat of the Game: 11-7

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New Taipei Kings Head Coach Ryan Marchand elected once again to use a short rotation, playing just seven of his 12 active players in the game. As a result, Jeremy Lin, Kenny Manigault, and Jason Washburn each had to play more than 35 minutes in this one.

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In contrast, Ryukyu Golden Kings Head Coach Dai Oketani utilized 11 of his 12 active players in this one. Only imports Keve Aluma and Jack Cooley played more than 28 minutes against the Kings, highlighting Ryukyu’s depth and balanced approach..

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Quotes of the Game: 

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Ryuichi Kishimoto on helping the Golden Kings get back to the Finals Four:

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“Last season, we couldn’t make it to the Final Four. But this season, this is the first step for us to win the EASL, so we will have to win (one game at a time).”

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Next Games:

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Ryukyu Golden Kings: Away vs. New Taipei Kings (P. LEAGUE+) - Jan. 8, 2025

New Taipei Kings: Home vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE) - Jan. 8, 2024