2022 NBL Canada Finals: The Story So Far

Over the course of one weekend the 2022 NBL Canada Finals tipped off and the first two games produced more high-energy, unpredictable basketball we've seen all season from both contenders - the London Lightning and KW Titans - as they both went in search of the title.

The stakes were high but both teams still came out to entertain the crowds just as they have done all season. London began Game One with a 7-0 run, after which the Titans quickly closed the gap to where there was nothing between them. KW surged in front with nine unanswered but the Lightning's success in the lane made it a tie game after ten minutes.

The Titans tried to instigate another breakaway, achieving a double-digit lead, but London responded with a 12-2 run which tied the scores, but an and-one layup from Tyrrell Tate ensured KW led by three at half. They increased their lead from the three-point line at the start of the second half, but London once again closed the gap from close range. They then went on the rampage: eight points without reply and a 13-2 run to end the quarter.

Having flipped the script in the third quarter, London went about stamping their authority and dominating the final phase of the game. A near-perfect period from Chris Jones saw him finish with a game-high 39 points, he played a key role in London capturing the opening finals game

Jesse Jones finished with 23 points and 9 rebounds while 22 was Joel Kindred's final score for the Titans in their loss.

Game Two started in a very similar way: London's three-point shooting kept them in front early on, with KW keeping it tight. The home team then went on a 10-0 run, followed by another of nine; each time the Titans attempted a fight back London responded by restoring their double-digit lead.

That was until midway through the third quarter, when the Titans got the gap down to a single possession and back-to-back threes from Kindred gave them the first lead. Terry Thomas and Cameron Forte kept it tight but KW were still in front going into the fourth. There, a 9-2 run saw London go back in front and six lead changes followed, leaving the scores ties with under a minute in regulation.

Thomas and Kindred each tried to end it for respective teams, but overtime was required to separate them. London began the extra period with five unanswered and went on to have more success in active play and from the stripe. They now have one hand on the trophy, winning game two in OT 115-110.

The biggest performers and best production in this game came from Kindred, who had 38 points and 10 rebounds, and Thomas who had a team high 28 points along with 10 boards for London. Jesse Jones also managed a double-double and there were double digit showings from Forte and Chris Jones for London in their win.

So far, so exciting. The Lightning have made a very big impression on the finals with victories in the firs two games, but things could take a very different turn when the series moves to Kitchener. The Titans have the power and capacity to strike back and there could be another twist in the tale. Check back here for updates on how this year's finals progress.