Flensburg hosts Rhein-Neckar in a match that will likely determine the German Bundesliga Champion
I’ve written before about how superior the NBA playoff “Best of 7” format is and how I dream of handball providing the same experience. Link
This year, however, due to the dominance of Golden State and Cleveland the playoff format has been an incredible dud. Golden State is 12-0 with three 4-0 sweeps. Cleveland is 12-1. I’m hopeful for another epic Finals, but we’ve got to wait till Thursday for Game 1. Not watching hoops on Memorial Day weekend just seems out of place.
Fortunately, the German Bundesliga has got you covered with a clash between 1st place Rhein-Neckar and 2nd place Flensburg. The match was played on Sunday, but is available “on demand”.
Going into the match Rhein-Neckar was at 27-2-1 with 55 points and Flensburg was right behind at 26-2-2 with 54 points. Earlier in the season Flensburg beat Rhein-Neckar 21-17, their only home loss in the HBL. And, Flensburg plastered Rhein-Neckar 33-23 in the semifinals of the German Cup. With the home court advantage Flensburg will be looking to make it 3-0 against the Lions and leap frogging them in the standings for first place.
The season won’t be over after this match with each team having 3 more matches. That being said whoever wins will be in total control of their destiny. This is about a close as you can get to a title match for the German Bundesliga Championship
Flensburg vs Rhein-Neckar Video: Link