Blackshear Leads Gunma Crane Thunders to Historic First CS Win

Kelly Blackshear Jr. powered the Gunma Crane Thunders to the franchise’s first-ever Championship playoff victory, leading a dominant 87–68 road win over the Chiba Jets in Game 1 of the quarterfinals.

Gunma controlled the game from the opening quarter with efficient half-court offense and physical interior play. Blackshear delivered a massive all-around performance with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists, repeatedly creating advantages inside the paint and in second-chance situations.

Gunma Crane Thunders also dictated tempo through disciplined ball movement, finishing with 24 assists while limiting Chiba’s transition opportunities. Veteran guard Yuma Fujii and rising playmaker Takuto Nakamura kept the offense composed throughout the night.

Despite 19 points and 6 assists from Yuki Togashi, the Chiba Jets struggled offensively, shooting just 35.0% from the field and 23.7% from three-point range.

By the second half, the contest had fully shifted into Gunma’s preferred style — slower, physical, and interior-focused — as the franchise secured a landmark postseason victory on the road.