Game 4 of the NBL Finals will go down as one of the most emotional and defining moments in league history. Beef Negative, led by ACN, took down Lil Nee and the Frost Falcons 7-4 to win the series 3-1, becoming Season 2 champions. But this wasn’t just the end of a series it was the end of an era.
LIL NEE’S EARLY LEAD, ACN’S RESPONSE
Lil Nee knew the season was on the line and came out swinging, taking control early in the first half. Fans dared to believe that the Frost Falcons might force a winner-take-all Game 5. Then came ACN. He weathered the storm, tied the game just before halftime, and opened the second half with a clinical two-pointer to take the lead. From there, Beef Negative’s suffocating defense locked down the Falcons’ offense.
THE MISSED SHOT THAT WILL HAUNT THE OFFSEASON
Down 6-4, Lil Nee had his chance to tie the game late in the second half. After grinding out possession, he lined up a perfect 2-point opportunity that would have evened the score.
The entire arena went silent.
The shot missed.
From there, ACN kept his composure and slammed the door shut, scoring again to clinch the series and the championship. The final 15 turns of the game had fans on the edge of their seats, but it was Beef Negative who walked away victorious.
ACN’S LEGENDARY SEND-OFF
As confetti fell, ACN was handed the Finals MVP trophy and delivered just one word into the mic:
“Domination.”
Then, with the entire league watching, ACN dropped a bombshell:
“With that win, I would like to announce my retirement. It’s been fun, y’all, life calls.”
The arena erupted in applause. Players, fans, even rivals stood in respect as the greatest player in league history stepped away from the game forever.
LIL NEE’S EMOTIONAL REACTION
Despite the rivalry between the two, Lil Nee appeared visibly shaken by the announcement.
“Its a very sad retirement and the leauge will not be the same without him for sure, I will be sad because I wont really have that much competition outside of SZE” Lil Nee admitted in the post-game presser.
The camera caught Lil Nee standing near ACN as he exited, quietly clapping a sign of respect between two of the greatest to ever touch the board.
ACN’S LEGACY
ACN leaves behind one of the most decorated careers in NBL history:
Season 2 Final MVP
A Championship
Season 2 Rookie Of The Year
Widely considered the most dominant two-way player ever
He retires not just as a champion, but as the undisputed measuring stick for greatness.
LOOKING TO SEASON 3
Lil Nee has already vowed to return stronger:
“I'll be back next season, I'll win the chip then.”
Without ACN, the path to the throne is wide open but it also leaves a massive void in the league. Who will rise to become the new standard of excellence? For now, Season 2 belongs to ACN and Beef Negative. And it may go down as the most bittersweet championship celebration in league history.