Between them, the Osaka Evessa and Ryukyu Golden Kings captured the bj-league's first four championships, including the Evessa's three-peat from the beginning of the league's existence. Both teams have also finished runnerup once apiece.
Each of the league's six previous seasons has included either Osaka or Ryukyu in the championship game. And whenever the teams meet, it's a big event for the bj-league.
This time, though, Evessa power forward Lynn Washington's absence — he was arrested March 13 for his alleged involvement in smuggling marijuana into Japan — brought a different feel to the heated rivalry. The Golden Kings dominated in the second half in a 97-75 home win on Saturday over the Evessa.