BEIJING (China) - For the first time since 1974, the FIBA Intercontinental Cup has a champion from the United States. The Maryland Terrapins won it 52 years ago, and the NBA G League United repeated the feat in 2026, taking down Rytas Vilnius from Lithuania, 89-86 in Beijing.
The Final was played in front of 8,342 fans, the most in the modern era of this event, surpassing the mark set in Singapore last year, when 8,205 fans attended the championship game.
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Turning point
In a game of ups and downs, the NBA G League United went from -4 at the half to a +13 advantage with just six minutes to play.
In true Rytas Vilnius fashion, they did not give up, and created a run which saw them tie the game twice in the final 90 seconds. However, both times it was Eric Dixon who had the answers.
First, he knocked down a three-pointer from the right 45, then posted up and got a lefty baby hook to keep United in front, despite Matas Jogela channeling his inner Simonas Lukosius with a pair of off-balance three-pointers to keep Rytas close.
Along with Dixon, Sean East II was ice cold from the line when it mattered the most, keeping Rytas at bay.
MVP of the Intercontinental Cup 2026
Not only was Eric Dixon the best player in the clutch for the NBA G League United, he was also their second best scorer in the Final, collecting 18 points with 5 rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench.
Overall, Dixon was the leader of this team, reaching double digits in all four games, starting with 14 points against the Beijing Royal Fighters, following it up with 17 against Boca Juniors, and then scoring 16 in 21 minutes against the RSSB Tigers in the Semi-Finals.
The lefty power forward showed why he's the all-time leading scorer for the Villanova Wildcats, as the 25-year-old was simply too big and too strong for his opponents.
Stats don't lie
In such a close game, keeping your offense under control is key, and the NBA G League United managed to do so by turning the ball over just six times.
At the same time, they forced 14 Rytas turnovers, got 9 steals and scored 15 points from turnovers.
Bottom line
After losing the Final both in 2024 and 2025, the NBA G League United picked up their first Intercontinental Cup title in 2026.
Along with Dixon and East II (19 pts), Phillip Wheeler deserves a mention, scoring 15 points with 8 rebounds in the Final, including numerous dunks and highlight plays.
For Rytas Vilnius, the Final was always going to be a tough task without their starting point guard Cassius Winston, who rolled his ankle in the Semi-Finals.
Kay Bruhnke signed off an impressive tournament with 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Jogela's late game heroics brought him up to 15 points, as well. Augustas Marciulionis had 12 points and 9 assists off the bench.