By GPC Sports Reporter
Nairobi City Thunder are one win away from reaching the 2026 Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) final after taking a 2-0 lead over Stanbic Shield in their best-of-five semi-final playoff.
Thunder, who are backed by a KES10 million sponsorship from I&M Bank this season, followed up Wednesday’s 82-65 Game One victory with a 91-67 win in Game Two at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday.
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The Brad Ibs-coached side can seal their place in the final on Saturday, September 19, when the two teams meet at the same venue for Game Three.
Thunder made a fast start, racing to a 35-19 lead after the opening quarter before taking a 48-33 advantage into halftime. Shield reduced the deficit in the third quarter, but Thunder responded strongly in the final period, outscoring their opponents 23-12 to secure a 24-point victory.
I&M Bank Group Head of Marketing and Communications Mary Githinji congratulated Thunder on their two victories, saying the partnership was also aimed at supporting the players’ development beyond basketball.
“Congratulations to the entire Nairobi City Thunder team on taking a 2-0 lead in the semifinal. They have worked hard throughout the season, and they deserve the wins that are coming their way,” Githinji said.
“As I&M Bank, we are proud to be part of this journey and to support a team that continues to create opportunities for local basketball talent.”
She said the partnership also included financial literacy sessions covering saving, investment and financial planning.
“We want to help the players build strong financial foundations through financial literacy and we have already held two sessions on the same with them,” she said, adding that a professional sporting career was only one part of the players’ journey.
Garang Diing led Thunder’s scoring with 20 points, while Dismas Mbaka added 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and five steals.
Captain Tyler Ongwae contributed 15 points, with Derrick Ogechi adding 14 points and five blocks. David Deng scored 13 points off the bench, while Bush Wamukota controlled the boards with 10 rebounds. Eugene Adera collected eight rebounds.
For Shield, Alvin Otieno and Cliff Alela led the scoring with 16 points apiece. Alela also grabbed 12 rebounds, while Lenson Kisia finished with nine points and nine rebounds.
Thunder are seeking a third consecutive KNBL title and will need one more victory to keep their unbeaten run in the league intact.
