The Shinshu Brave Warriors aren't at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. And the Nagano Prefecture-based club isn't the metaphorical king of the hill.
But they've made giant steps in the right direction. And over the past several weeks, Shinshu coach Koju Munakata's squad has become one of the league's most-dangerous, most-improved teams.
The Brave Warriors continued with that theme over the weekend, completing a series sweep over the East-leading Sendai 89ers, escaping with an 83-82 road triumph on Sunday at Xebio Arena.