The title was decided in the fifth and final game of the Finals series against Caspiy from Aktau. The game was played in Astana on 31 May and gave fans a tense battle right up to the final seconds. Regulation ended tied, and the winner was decided only in overtime. Caspiy came out on top, 89–87, to win the series and become national champions.
The Finals series was one of the most competitive in recent years. The teams went into the deciding game level in the series, and the championship was settled only in Game 5. Despite the final result, Astana showed character, commitment and a high level of basketball throughout the season.
Robert Pan was Astana’s leading performer in the deciding game, finishing with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal, with an efficiency rating of 21. He was named Player of the Game for his performance.
Astana also received important contributions from Adas Juškevičius, who recorded 18 points, 6 assists and 5 steals, Vadim Shcherbak, who added 13 points and an efficiency rating of 17, and Alexander Zhigulin, who finished with 10 points, 7 rebounds and an efficiency rating of 23.
At the end-of-season awards ceremony, Astana guard E.J. Day was named to the Kazakhstan National League All-Star Five — recognition of his consistent and productive performances throughout the championship.
We congratulate Caspiy on winning the championship title, and we also congratulate our players and fans on a worthy finish to the season. Astana will continue its work and begin preparing for the new challenges ahead.
