In a thrilling culmination to the 2024 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League season, Nairobi City Thunder clinched their first-ever championship title on Saturday night with a resounding 38-point victory over Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The decisive Game 3, held on Thunder’s home court, ended with a scoreline that underscored the team’s supremacy throughout the series.
Thunder’s commanding performance left little doubt from the start. They surged ahead early, establishing a 17-point lead by halftime.
The team’s dominance continued unabated as they extended their lead to 28 points in the third quarter and eventually secured a staggering 38-point advantage by the final buzzer.
“It was massive for me. The sweetest moment was watching Coach Gaya and Griff (Griffins Ligare) embrace as Griff came off the court. They have been labouring with a lot less than what we had last year,” said Nairobi City Thunder head coach Brad Ibs.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Ibs emphasized the significance of the victory, particularly for Ligare, who was instrumental in the team’s success.
Coach Ibs also acknowledged the pressure of maintaining an unbeaten season: “At this point, there’s a lot to play for: We are playing for an unbeaten season, and we really want to get Griff a championship.”
The spotlight of the night was on point guard Griffin Ligare, who was named the Playoffs MVP. Ligare set the tone early, scoring nine points in the first quarter alone, with a flawless performance from beyond the arc. He finished the game with 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Ligare, who had struggled in the earlier games of the finals, found his rhythm and delivered when it mattered most. The MVP award was a milestone achievement in his 19-year career, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.
Despite the defeat, KPA head coach Cliff Owuor remained positive about his team’s performance throughout the season. “We lost more than half the team that won the championship last year. Some of the players we groomed after that. We’ve had to work with our bench players,” Owuor stated, promising a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
Albert Odero, who was named the season’s MVP, was exceptional throughout the finals. In Game 3, he contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal. “The team put in a lot of time. Management put in a lot of time. We weren’t just playing for fun. We were here to win something. We want to go to BAL,” said Odero, underscoring the team’s ambition to continue their success on the continental stage.
With their first KBF Premier League title secured, Nairobi City Thunder has etched their name in the league’s history, capping off a season that will be remembered for its impressive performances and relentless drive.
