Bayern Munich collapses, squanders 20-point lead to lose German basketball title to ALBA Berlin

Munich's Bayern basketball team suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the German League finals, losing 81-84 at home to ALBA Berlin in the decisive fifth game. This loss meant they surrendered the series 2-3, failing to secure a third consecutive championship title.

ALBA Berlin clinched their twelfth national championship, their first since 2022, marking a significant achievement for the club. The game also signified the end of an illustrious coaching career for the legendary 76-year-old Svetislav Pešić, who had previously announced his retirement after this season.

Bayern had built a commanding 20-point lead by halftime, leading 47-27 after a dominant second quarter where they outscored ALBA 22-7. However, the momentum dramatically shifted in the second half. ALBA mounted a significant comeback, starting with a 14-0 run early in the third quarter and continuing their surge in the final period.

ALBA erased the deficit and took the lead early in the fourth quarter, 67-66, after a 14-point unanswered run. They maintained control for the remainder of the game. Despite a late surge from Bayern in the final minute, including missed free throws by ALBA, Bayern's attempts to tie the game with three-pointers fell short, sealing ALBA's victory.

Rokas Jokubaitis, a key guard for Bayern who signed a three-year deal last summer, was sidelined for the entire season due to an injury sustained during last year's European Championship. His absence was keenly felt by the team throughout their championship defense. For ALBA, Justin Bean led with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Bayern's A. Obst scored 24 points, though he struggled with his three-point shooting, making only 4 out of 14 attempts.