The Bamberg Baskets turned a 0-2 deficit into 2-2 in the basketball play-offs and are suddenly on the verge of reaching the finals. Before the decisive game in Berlin, there is a lot going for Alba – or is the favorite weakening?
A few days ago, the semi-final series in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) between Alba Berlin and the Bamberg Baskets seemed to have already been decided. The Berliners had won the first two games comfortably, Bamberg was 0-2 behind and was on the verge of elimination.
But coach Anton Gavel’s team fought back impressively. With two home wins in a row, Bamberg equalized in the best-of-five series – game five on Tuesday evening (June 9, 2026, 8:30 p.m. in Berlin) must bring the decision. For the Upper Franconians the chance for the next big coup of an already remarkable season.
Home advantage and history: that speaks for Alba Berlin
At first glance, there is a lot to be said for Alba. The home team has won all four play-off games so far. Now the all-important duel takes place in Berlin’s Max Schmeling Hall.
In addition, the statistics speak for the Berliners. Only four times in BBL history has a team managed to turn around a 0-2 play-off deficit. Baskets Bonn last managed this against Leverkusen in the 2002/03 season.
Psychological Advantage: why Bamberg is now on top
But after Bamberg’s two victories, there is a lot to be said for Bamberg psychologically. Alba has staggered like a stricken boxer in the last two games, and Bamberg has increasingly lost the rhythm of the favorites.
Alba’s offensive in the BBL play-off series in descent
Especially offensively, the Berliners made massive cuts in the play-off series. After 105 and 85 points in the first two games, Alba recently only got 73 and 67 points. Bamberg defended more aggressively, played more physically and repeatedly forced the capital team to make difficult throws.
Anton Gavel – the genius on the sidelines
Recovering from the 2-0 deficit is just further evidence of how much Coach Gavel has developed the team since his arrival in 2024. In just two years, the former national player led the almost devastated Bambergers back into the national top group.
By winning the BBL Cup in February, the club celebrated its first major success after seven years without a title. Opponent in the final: Alba Berlin, of all people.
In the video: Bamberg Baskets win the 2026 cup
Motivational boost by winning the cup
The memory of the 74:72 final victory in the cup should give additional confidence before the playoff. Unlike many other teams, Bamberg can point to the experience of having already beaten the big favorites in a knockout game.
The starting position is therefore clear: Alba has the home advantage, Bamberg has the momentum. After a 0-2 deficit, the Franconians have nothing left to lose and the prospect of one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent play-off history.
One more win separates Anton Gavel’s team from the final. And from another chapter of a season that is already one of the most successful in recent years.
Source: BR24Sport on the radio June 8th, 2026 – 4:54 p.m
