The Springfield Sting, the local entry in the minor league American Basketball Association, is in the midst of a playoff run.
The Sting won their first-ever playoff game last weekend and will play again Saturday against the New Jersey Express, whom the Sting have defeated three times this season.
A win there would give them the league’s Northeast Division title, and just two more wins would send them to Baltimore and the ABA’s Final Eight.
Sting owner Zach Baru said the postseason appearance is quite an accomplishment for the fledgling franchise. For a first-year franchise in a competitive league like the ABA, where a lot of players are trying to go international or to the [NBA Development League], I’m very happy to be in the playoffs, absolutely.”
Baru said the Sting’s inaugural season has also been successful not only on the court, but also at the box office. He said while the playoffs continue, he’s already turned to making plans for next season.