Sodertalje Celebrate 2019 Swedish League Title
The Sodertalje Kings return to the top of the podium on Sunday as they claimed their sixth Swedish Basketligan championship after defeating Boras Basket 81-70 in Game 5 of the finals. The last time the Kings hoisted Swedish gold above their heads was in 2016, the tail end of a three-peat set of championships that began in 2014. Is it time for them to build another domestic dynasty? It’s probably too early to tell but at least they’ve made the steps in the right direction.
The game was pretty close in the beginning and the Kings even found themselves trailing Boras by one point at the end of the first half. Deliberately and steadily, Sodertalje fought back in the second half and eventually found themselves up by two points at the end of the third quarter. When the fourth quarter came around, all gloves were off and the Kings went all out, out-scoring Boras 23-14 in the final frame to come away victorious in this fifth and decisive game.
The Kings got a huge game from Eric Adams, who came through in the low post to produce 15 points and 16 rebounds. Thanks to him and his teammates activity on the glass, Sodertalje out-rebounded Boras 38-29. Toni Bizaca was the top scorer for the Kings with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting from 2-point range.
The teams brought a contrast in styles. Sodertalje had the advantage in the paint and you could see them dip into that well quite successfully throughout this series overall. Boras relied on their outside shooting to get points on the board. They knocked down 11 3-point shots compared to just two from Sodertalje. Unfortunately, Sodertalje’s higher percentage shots proved to be the more successful path to victory in this game.
A trio of Boras players came through, scoring 15 points each. Nimrod Hilliard IV led the paced the offense with a 15-point, 11-assist double-double performance.
The Sodertalje Kings now get to go home and enjoy their well-deserved, hard-earned title and look to 2019-20, knowing full well that they will have a target painted on their backs.