TPBL: Joe Lin scores 20 despite injury, Kings lead Dreamers 2-1 in Finals

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 29: In Game 3 of the TPBL Finals held today, the New Taipei Kings hosted the Formosa Dreamers. The Kings, bolstered by a 43% team three-point shooting percentage and a 20-point, 7-assist performance from Joe Lin, defeated the Dreamers 109-84 to take a 2-1 series lead. The TPBL Finals follow a best-of-seven format. The first two games were held at the Dreamers' home court, with each team winning one. Game 3 moved to the Xinzhuang Gymnasium, with Game 4 scheduled for May 31. Dreamers import Brandon Gilbeck, who was elbowed in the previous game, sat out after receiving over 30 stitches on his left cheek, and his return to the series remains uncertain. The Kings led 27-24 after the first quarter and maintained a 55-49 lead at halftime. After the break, with the score at 59-58, the Kings went on a 28-4 run, establishing an 87-62 lead with 9:01 remaining, effectively sealing the win. The game maintained the high intensity of Game 2, with minor scuffles involving Ma Jian-hao, Jonathan Smith, and Lee Te-wei in the fourth quarter, though they did not escalate. Despite a thigh injury from Game 2, Kings guard Joe Lin played through the pain, recording 20 points, 7 assists, and zero turnovers, effectively orchestrating the offense, while import Jalen Harris added 25 points. The Dreamers were led by Trey Thompkins III with 19 points, but the team struggled from deep, hitting only 7 of 33 three-pointers (21.2%), and a stagnant third quarter where they scored only 13 points proved costly.