Cheshire, London to meet again in 2024 BBL playoffs final

Image credit: British Basketball League

London Lions and Cheshire Phoenix set a highly-anticipated showdown in the 2024 BBL playoffs final after sweeping their last four encounters.

The two teams previously met in the BBL Trophy final in January when the Phoenix caused an upset to lift the silverware in Birmingham.

Ben Thomas’ side claimed a 2-0 series victory over Sheffield Sharks in the semi-finals as they backed up a narrow 89-83 home victory in Game 1 to win big on the road as a 73-92 success sealed their first trip to the post-season finale for almost two decades.

Maceo Jack – voted as the league’s Most Improved Player in the end-of-season awards – top scored with 20 points in Game 2 with Laquincy Rideau and Aaryn Rai adding 19 and 17 points, respectively.

Defending champions London also eased through with back-to-back wins over Newcastle Eagles. The opening game was close in the early stages before the Lions raced clear for a 31-point victory as they accrued 72 points from the bench.

Back at the Copper Box for Game 2, London secured their place in another final with a 94-81 win behind a 30-20 fourth quarter effort. Matt Morgan had a team-high 19 points, while Jordan Johnson put up 23 points in defeat for the Eagles as their season came to an end.

In the quarter-finals, Sheffield had beaten Leicester Riders in a Game 3 decider, while London beat Surrey 2-0, Cheshire swept past Bristol and Newcastle upset third-seeds Caledonia Gladiators in back-to-back victories.

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