The Hong Kong Bulls cemented their dominance in the Chinese National Basketball League (NBL) by defeating the Changsha Yongsheng 85-71 in Game 4 of the Finals on Monday, securing a 3-1 series victory. The thrilling match in Changsha, Hunan Province, showcased the Bulls' strategic adaptability and resilience under pressure.
Josh Carlton led the charge with 24 points, while Michael Ertel II's 17-point performance and three three-pointers earned him Finals MVP honors. Despite a shaky start with 12 missed field goals in the first quarter, the Bulls leveraged their three-point accuracy to establish an early 22-19 lead.
By halftime, the Bulls extended their advantage to 48-33 through tight defense that limited Changsha to just 14 second-quarter points. A dominant third quarter saw the deficit balloon to 24 points, leaving the home team with an insurmountable challenge despite a late fourth-quarter rally.
The victory marks the Bulls' second consecutive NBL championship, reinforcing Hong Kong's growing influence in China's competitive sports landscape. The win is expected to boost regional pride and inspire youth engagement in basketball across the city.
