It's a bit premature to say the Ryukyu Golden Kings need to push the panic button.
Their 24-8 win-loss record is the league's best (based on winning percentage), the same as the Yokohama B-Corsairs' through Sunday. But after a magical 15-0 start, the reigning champions have stumbled to five losses in their past nine games, including two over the weekend against the host Shimane Susanoo Magic, who have progressed in each of their three seasons under the capable leadership of Croatian bench boss Zeljko Pavlicevic — from 24-26 in season one to 28-24 last season to 23-11 to date.
Ryukyu fell 68-67 on Saturday and dropped a 70-54 decision a day later to the hosts, as a packed house of nearly 2,600 saw the Magic excel in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture.