Chiba Jets Lead an Octet of Title-Chasing B.League Teams
Headlined by the Jets, who set a B.League record with 53 regular-season wins, the quest for the 2022-23 championship tips off with four quarterfinal matchups.
Sunday, May 7 was the final day of the 2022-23 regular season for the 24 teams in the B.League first division, aka B1.
A giant gap existed between the top team (Chiba Jets) and the Niigata Albirex BB ― a stunning 40-win difference.
After being unable to qualify for the playoffs, 16 B1 clubs' front offices now shift their focus to reviewing this past season and concocting plans for the 2023-24 campaign.
At the same time, eight teams are getting ready for the playoffs, aka the B.League Championship.
Chiba, guided by first-year bench boss John Patrick, captured the Emperor's Cup (All Japan Basketball Championship) in mid-March. And after collecting the Eastern Conference regular-season title, the Jets have unveiled their quest for the playoffs with a slogan, "Road to the Triple Crown."
Before the weekend's playoffs matchups are listed, here's a look at the final standings from the 60-game season. (Note: one game was called off due to player injuries and COVID-19 positive tests.)
Chiba Jets swingman Vic Law (B.LEAGUE)
B.League Final Standings
EAST Chiba Jets (53-7, including a 24-game win streak, and a B1 season record for wins) Alvark Tokyo (42-18, four straight losses entering the playoffs) Utsunomiya Brex (32-28, reigning champs didn't qualify for postseason) Akita Northern Happinets (29-31) Gunma Crane Thunders (29-31) Ibaraki Robots (23-37) Levanga Hokkaido (19-41) Sendai 89ers (19-41)
Kawasaki Brave Thunders guard Yuto Nomi shoots a jumper against the Sunrockers Shibuya on May 7 at Todoroki Arena. (B.LEAGUE)
CENTRAL Kawasaki Brave Thunders (40-20) Yokohama B-Corsairs (33-27, five straight defeats entering the postseason) Shinshu Brave Warriors (29-30) Sunrockers Shibuya (28-32) SeaHorses Mikawa (27-33) San-en NeoPhoenix (23-37) Toyama Grouses (15-45) Niigata Albirex BB (13-47, relegated to second division)
Ryukyu Golden Kings guard Ryuichi Kishimoto in an April 2022 file photo. (B. LEAGUE)
WEST Ryukyu Golden Kings (48-12, sixth straight West title) Shimane Susanoo Magic (48-12) Nagoya Diamond Dolphins (43-17, four-game win streak entering playoffs) Hiroshima Dragonflies (41-18) Osaka Evessa (27-33) Fighting Eagles Nagoya (22-38) Kyoto Hannaryz (22-38) Shiga Lakestars (14-46, relegated to second division)
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