Nairobi City Thunder’s remarkable unbeaten run survived its biggest scare yet as the defending champions produced a dramatic comeback to beat Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 78-67 in overtime and take a 1-0 lead in the 2026 KNBL Finals at Makande Gymnasium.
Thunder arrived in Mombasa carrying a formidable record. They had not lost since 2023 and had swept Stanbic Shields 3-0 in the semifinals, winning all three games by comfortable margins. KPA had also reached the championship series unbeaten in the playoffs after completing a 3-0 sweep of Equity Dumas.
The previous two finals had also gone Thunder’s way, with Brad Ibs’ side beating KPA 3-0 in each of the last two championship series. But Game One looked set to produce a different outcome.
KPA pushed the defending champions to the limit on their home court and were only six seconds away from ending Thunder’s long unbeaten streak. With the game slipping away, Eugene Adera produced a moment of brilliance, drilling a corner three-pointer at the death to level the contest at 59-59 and force overtime.
The late intervention completely changed the complexion of the game.
Thunder found another level in the extra period, outplaying KPA to close out a 78-67 victory and extend their unbeaten run. What appeared to be KPA’s breakthrough moment instead became another chapter in Thunder’s remarkable run.
The victory puts Thunder one win closer to a third consecutive KNBL championship, while KPA are left needing to respond immediately after letting a commanding opportunity slip away.
The result also gives Thunder an important psychological boost, having once again survived a serious challenge from the side they have dominated in the previous two finals.
KPA will not have to wait long for another opportunity. Game Two takes place at Makande Gymnasium today at 6pm, giving the hosts a chance to level the best-of-five series before it moves to Nairobi.
After coming within seconds of ending Thunder’s unbeaten run, KPA now face the task of turning that near-upset into a victory. To Thunder, the challenge is to maintain the momentum generated by Adera’s dramatic shot and move to a 2-0 series advantage.
