Leicester Riders vs London Lions news: Treble dream at stake in BBL Play-off finale
- Seb Sternik
- 14 May 2022
Leicester Riders will be looking to win their fourth BBL Play-off crown in five years when they take on London Lions in the season finale at the O2 Arena.
Having already claimed the BBL Cup and the BBL Championship, the Riders find themselves on the periphery of an unprecedented treble-winning season.
The only thing standing between them and British basketball immortality, is a London Lions team who enter the final on the back of a fearsome play-off run.
It's been a wild campaign for the Copper Box side, who began to make waves on the continent but parted ways with now former coach Vince Macaulay last January.
Nikhil Lawry has since taken over the position on an interim basis and has been able to inspire an incredible return to form.
While Leicester remain favourites to close out a historic season in style, the Lions are not to be underestimated in what promises to be a dramatic occasion at the O2.
When: Sunday, May 15, 16:15 BST
Where: O2 Arena, London
Where to watch: Sky Sports
Recent form
London enter the final having won six of their last seven games. Interestingly, their last performance was the most emphatic one as they thrashed the Bristol Flyers 91-73.
Their only defeat during the play-off run came away in Cheshire as they lost 97-95 against the Phoenix.
Leicester, on the other hand, are on a 13 match winning streak.
The Riders last tasted defeat away in Manchester as they fell to a narrow 85-83 loss against the Giants.
Since then, Leicester have been impervious, winning their last encounter 104-78 against the Glasgow Rocks.
Last time out
Leicester Riders 103-67 London Lions (BBL Championship - April 17, 2022)
London Lions were torn to shred when they last took on the Leicester Riders.
A massive 36-points difference separated the two teams at the end of the fourth period.
Marc Loving was particularly deadly for the hosts, having bagged 18 points.
Past five matches
April, 17, 2022 - Leicester Riders 103-67 London Lions
February, 13, 2022 - London Lions 79-77 Leicester Riders
February, 4, 2022 - London Lions 67-80 Leicester Riders
December, 30, 2021 - Leicester Riders 79-74 London Lions
December, 10, 2022 - London Lions 96-99 Leicester Riders
Pre-match quotes
London Lions assistant coach Robert Youngblood told the club's website: "We've won six of the last seven games and we're going into the final playing as good basketball as we have all season.
"I think the guys have bought into what they need to do. They're gelling and coming together. I think some may have underestimated the BBL earlier in the season, but they now know it's strong and they're locked into winning on Sunday."
Leicester player Conner Washington told the club's website: "In the final, we'll come out and be aggressive, stick to our principles and do what we do.
"We've played them throughout the season and know them really well. It's going to be a great game to watch, but the main focus for us is to stick to what we've been doing."
