Pilots' Li Chia-Kang Key Steal Defeats Warriors, Advances to Deciding Game 7

Facing elimination, the PLG Taoyuan Pauian Pilots edged past the Taipei Fubon Braves 72-69 in Game 6 of the best-of-seven championship series, propelled by Li Chia-Kang’s critical steal with 10 seconds remaining and foreign player Alec Brown’s 25-point performance, leveling the series at 3-3.

The seventh and deciding game of the P. LEAGUE+ (PLG) Taiwan professional basketball finals will be held on June 18 at the Pilots’ home court in Taoyuan.

Braves’ import player Archie Goodwin III was suspended for this game due to accumulating five violations of 'unsportsmanlike conduct plus disqualification fouls.' His absence, having averaged 24.6 points per game in the finals, clearly disrupted the Braves’ offensive rhythm.

The Braves opened with a 25-19 lead in the first quarter, but held only a narrow 40-39 advantage at halftime. After the break, both teams struggled offensively, but the Braves maintained a 59-54 lead heading into the fourth quarter, thanks to Hung Kai-Chieh’s unexpected surge with 6 points in the third quarter.

In the decisive fourth quarter, the Braves’ offense collapsed—shooting just 3-of-18—allowing the Pilots to gradually close the gap. With 2:03 left, Li Chia-Kang hit a deep three-pointer to give the Pilots a crucial 71-67 lead.

After Braves import Stefan Jankovic sank both free throws, both teams entered a scoring drought. With 13 seconds left and trailing by 3 points, the Braves had possession. However, after a timeout, their inbound pass to Lin Chih-Chieh was intercepted by Li Chia-Kang, extinguishing any hope of a comeback.

Alec Brown shot 5-of-8 from three-point range, finishing with a game-high 25 points. Li Chia-Kang, who entered the game from the bench after receiving two painkilling injections before tip-off, contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds.

In a post-game interview with the broadcaster, Li said the coaching staff’s instructions were clear, especially on defense, and that the team remained highly focused with no margin for error.

On his game-changing three-pointer, Li noted that the team had struggled with three-point shooting throughout the series, but emphasized trust in teammates and the need to confidently take open shots when available.