Kyle Johnson Wins NBL Championship with London Lightning - Hoopsfix.com

Kyle Johnson Wins NBL Championship with London Lightning

Kyle Johnson struck gold with London Lightning after helping the Canadian side win the NBL Championship.

The GB guard netted 15 points in a 129-116 title-clinching victory to complete a 4-2 series triumph over Halifax Hurricanes.

Johnson’s best performance in the Finals came in a pivotal Game 6 win on the road when the Toronto-native netted 27 points and added seven rebounds in a 95-117 victory.

In a 2-3-2 Finals format, Lightning opened with a home win before dropping the second game at the buzzer. They responded on the road to restore their lead with the series then tied at 2-2 following a nine-point loss at Halifax.

Lightning turned on the style for a convincing victory in the next to move within a win of the title and wrapped up their third Championship title on their home floor – and first since 2013.

Game 1: 18mins, 3-4 FG, 6pts – 105-97 victory (H)
Game 2: 21mins, 6-8 3PT, 24pts – 110-111 defeat (H)
Game 3: 23mins, 3-5 FG, 6pts, 4rbs – 92-105 victory (A)
Game 4: 27mins, 2-3 FG, 3-3 FT, 7pts, 6rbs – 94-85 defeat (A)
Game 5: 38mins, 4-6 FG, 6-9 3PT, 27pts, 7rbs – 95-117 victory (A)
Game 6: 19mins, 5-9 FG, 15pts, 3rbs – 129-116 victory (H)

Johnson – who had one previous spell in the league with the Brampton A’s, and has also played in Greece, Cyprus and Italy – averaged 13.7 points, shooting 50% from the field along with 3.5 rebounds per game in 45 appearances.

The Brit becomes the latest league winner overseas with Rowell Graham winning the LEB Silver playoffs title in Spain on Sunday.

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