The B.League Championship playoffs kicked off on May 9, 2025, at the Okinawa Arena, with the Ryukyu Golden Kings taking the first step towards a double championship by defeating the Shimane Susanoo Magic 79-71 in the first game of their best-of-three semifinal series. Despite a challenging first half where Ryukyu struggled against Shimane's high-accuracy three-point shooting, trailing 38-41 at halftime, they regained control in the second half thanks to standout performances from players like Hirao.
Looking ahead, the excitement continues as three more first games are set for May 10, featuring Utsunomiya Brex against SeaHorses Mikawa, San-en NeoPhoenix facing Gunma Crane Thunders, and A Tokyo going up against Chiba Jets. These matchups promise to be thrilling as teams vie for positions in the semifinals.
The Gunma Crane Thunders, finishing the regular season with a commendable 39 wins and 21 losses, are gearing up for their first-ever championship challenge. Head coach Kyle Milling recently shared insights about their upcoming quarterfinal match against San-en NeoPhoenix, scheduled for May 10, 2025. After a public practice on May 7, Milling acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "I believe many fans from Gunma will come to support us, but away games are never easy. San-en has the second-best record overall, so they will feel the pressure to win more than we do. We just need to focus on what we have to do and play as one team."
This season has seen Gunma face San-en multiple times, including a narrow loss in the Emperor's Cup quarterfinal in January, where they fell 79-77. In April, Gunma suffered two consecutive losses at home against San-en, both close games decided by single-digit margins, with key player Yohannes Timann absent. Reflecting on their previous encounters, Milling remarked, "San-en is a good team, and we've lost to them three times this season, but their fast-paced style gives us opportunities. We're preparing well for that."
The contrasting styles of Gunma and San-en add an intriguing layer to their upcoming clash. While San-en plays an offensive and high-paced game, Gunma prioritizes defense and a slower pace. Milling, who led the Hiroshima Dragonflies to a championship victory last season by defeating San-en in the quarterfinals, noted, "Last year is last year; this year is this year. This will be a new environment for the championship series, so it’s not something to compare. It’s not about coach versus coach, but San-en against Gunma."
Captain Naoto Tsuji shares Milling's confidence, stating, "We are aiming to win because we are participating." Tsuji has significant championship experience, having previously played for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Hiroshima, where he won the Emperor's Cup. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming game rather than getting ahead of himself: "It's crucial to concentrate on the game in front of us. Two seasons ago, I experienced a championship with Hiroshima, where we won the first game against Chiba Jets. That experience will be valuable this time around."
Regarding their opponents, Tsuji commented, "San-en has a physically strong team with size and is aggressive on both ends of the court." Despite their three losses to San-en this season, Tsuji remains optimistic: "I have a good impression of our matchups against San-en. While it’s normal to feel anxious about losing all three games, our team is peaking in terms of performance, and I’m excited to compete at this level."
Tsuji's recent performance has also contributed to his confidence. In the last six games, he has achieved an impressive three-point shooting success rate of 66.7% in five games and 100% in one. Out of 30 attempts, he made 21 shots, showcasing his skill as a significant asset for the championship. He reflected on his current form, saying, "I feel like I’m in the same physical condition as at the beginning of the season. It’s great to be in this shape at this time, and I’m confident going into the series. Looking at my success rate, I’m close to a career high, but I wanted to secure the top spot!"
As the championship series approaches, Tsuji reiterated the importance of the first game against San-en: "It’s crucial to aim for victory. The first game will be very important. If we find ourselves at 1-1, our team’s execution will be tested. We have focused on improving our execution this season, and that’s what we need to keep in mind."
Meanwhile, the Shimane Susanoo Magic, also seeking their first championship, are receiving full support from Medi Naturals, a CBD company that has renewed its partnership for the second consecutive year. Medi Naturals, which has been involved in the CBD field since 2016, provides body care and supplements, emphasizing their commitment to quality and safety.
Medi Naturals has been recognized for its high-quality CBD products, which are compliant with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, making them suitable for athletes. The company also supports various teams, including San-en NeoPhoenix and Nagasaki Velca, as they aim to expand their presence in the wellness market.
As the B.League championship unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and the potential for history to be made. With teams like Gunma and Shimane stepping onto the court for their first championship challenges, the stakes have never been higher. The excitement of the playoffs is palpable, and the quest for the title continues as teams fight for glory.