EasyCredit BBL Playoffs: From down 20 to the German Championship: ALBA Berlin Makes a Legendary Comeback Against Bayern Munich

You had to dare to believe it. ALBA Berlin are the 2026 German champions. In a packed SAP Garden, the Berliners pulled off one of the most spectacular comebacks in BBL history, erasing a 20-point halftime deficit to win 84-81 against Bayern Munich in the decisive Game 5. A 3-2 series victory, clinched on the road — something not seen since 1999 in a championship-deciding game.

A Nightmare Second Quarter, a Legendary Second Half

The first quarter had already gone poorly for the Berliners. After a strong start (15-9 after three and a half minutes), ALBA collapsed in the second quarter. Andreas Obst punished two turnovers with back-to-back three-pointers, and Munich pulled away. With only 7 points scored in that second quarter — a season-worst — Pedro Calles’s men headed to the locker room down 20.

The response in the second half was electrifying. Within two minutes of the restart, Malte Delow and Jonas Mattisseck hit back-to-back three-pointers to spark a 19-5 run that brought ALBA back within striking distance (55-46 at the 25th minute). A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Justin Bean set the arena alight, and the Berliners retook the lead with seven minutes remaining (67-66). In a breathtaking final stretch, it was Martin Hermannsson who delivered the killing blow with 45 seconds left, giving ALBA a decisive lead.

Let that moment sink in … pic.twitter.com/vV8OU8OkDb

— ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) June 21, 2026

In the box score, Justin Bean delivered a standout performance: 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. The American forward was rightfully named Finals MVP. Jonas Mattisseck also finished with 18 points, while Malte Delow added 14. On the Bavarian side, Andreas Obst carried his team with 24 points, but it wasn’t enough.

A Historic Series in Every Way

The numbers from this Finals are staggering. Adding up the scores of all five games, Berlin wins the series 418 to 414 in total points — the closest series in league history. ALBA also becomes the first team since 1999 to win a Game 5 Finals on the road, out of ten attempts in the modern era.

This epic chapter also marks the end of a legendary career. Svetislav Pešić, 76, iconic head coach of FC Bayern Munich, had announced that this season would be his last. The Serbian coach, decorated with world, European, and EuroLeague titles, leaves the bench without the sixth national title that had seemed within reach.

For Jonas Mattisseck and Malte Delow, both born in Berlin, this is a fourth title with the Albatrossen (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2026). A fun fact: all four times, the celebration took place in Munich. ALBA Berlin, the kings of the comeback, have cemented their place in legend.