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3 clusters · 3 sources · 23 days · First seen · Last updated

Gunma Crane Thunders preseason and early B. LEAGUE play

Overview

The Gunma Crane Thunders participated in preseason B.League matches in September 2026.

In an early match, the team defeated the Ibaraki Robots 80–74, with Kelly Blackshear Jr. and Stanley Johnson each scoring 23 points. Head coach Kyle Milling observed that the team showed improvement in resolving on-court issues despite challenges with fouls and coordination.

In a subsequent preseason game on September 13, Gunma defeated the Tokyo Sunrockers 69–54 using a modified format of four 8-minute quarters. Stanley Johnson led the scoring with 17 points, including five 3-pointers, while Kelly Blackshear Jr. added 12 points. Coach Milling noted the match provided a physical challenge for Japanese players against a lineup featuring four foreign and naturalized players, stating the team is focusing on refining tactical adjustments.

Moving into the B. LEAGUE Premier, the Crane Thunders secured their second consecutive victory with a win against Altiri Chiba. The team focused on correcting defensive errors and improving second-half intensity. Highlights included the integration of new players like Tsurumaki, who scored his first field goal of the season, and strong playmaking from Stanley that aided a high three-point shooting percentage. However, the team identified a need for better rebounding and consistent defensive intensity across all four quarters.

Entities

Gunma Crane Thunders · B.LEAGUE · Tokyo Sunrockers · Saga Ballooners · Ibaraki Robots

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Gunma Crane Thunders secure second consecutive B. LEAGUE win

    The Gunma Crane Thunders earned their second consecutive B. LEAGUE victory by defeating Altiri Chiba, showing improved defensive intensity and successful integration of new players.

  2. 17 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Gunma Crane Thunders defeat Tokyo Sunrockers in preseason match

    The Gunma Crane Thunders defeated the Tokyo Sunrockers 69–54 in a B.League preseason basketball match featuring a modified 8-minute quarter format.

  3. 25 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Gunma Crane Thunders defeat Ibaraki Robots in preseason match

    Gunma Crane Thunders beat Ibaraki Robots 80-74 in a preseason game. Meanwhile, Saga Ballooners finalized their performance team and Kawasaki Brave Thunders revealed their 2026-27 season slogan.

Sources

prtimes.jp · release.traicy.com · sportsmania.jp

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history