The Shanghai Sharks continued their remarkable winning streak on Friday, cruising past the Guangzhou Loong Lions with a commanding 112-81 victory at home in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). This triumph marks the Sharks’ 15th consecutive win, propelling them to solidify their position in the league standings.
The game began with Li Tianrong orchestrating the offense, dishing an early assist to Li Hongquan for a layup that set the tone for Shanghai’s aggressive play. The Sharks jumped to an early 11-5 lead, but Guangzhou quickly regrouped. A three-pointer from Yuan Zhaoyao swung the momentum, giving the Loong Lions a five-point advantage.
However, the Sharks were not to be denied. Kenneth Lofton Jr., a former NBA forward, showcased his prowess by converting a crucial second-chance layup to tie the game at 63-63. Lofton then assisted Wang Zhelin, whose layup edged Shanghai ahead late in the second quarter.
In the second half, Shanghai’s dominance became more pronounced. Li Tianrong was on fire, drilling a corner triple to extend the lead to 23 points. Assisted by Eric Bledsoe, Li continued his scoring spree, contributing to his career-high 31 points. Yuan Tangwen further energized the home crowd with a long-distance three-pointer, widening the gap to 27 points.
The Sharks maintained their momentum, ultimately securing a resounding 31-point victory. Their 15th consecutive win not only demonstrates their impressive form but also leaves them confidently seated in 12th place in the standings, signaling a team on the rise.
In another exciting matchup, the league-leading Guangsha Lions showcased their strength by defeating the second-placed Shanxi Loongs 111-78 at home. Despite an early surge from Shanxi, fueled by Brandon Goodwin’s swift layups that led to a nine-point advantage in the second quarter, the Lions roared back.
Barry Brown Jr. was instrumental in Guangsha’s comeback, sinking a crucial three-pointer to cut the deficit. Assisted by Sun Minghui, Brown continued to shine, adding another triple as the hosts took a 50-41 lead into halftime.
After the break, Brown remained unstoppable, drilling another three-pointer and tallying a game-high 38 points, including seven triples. Zhao Yanhao connected with Josh Carlton for a layup that extended the Lions’ lead, and Guangsha never looked back, closing the game with a 33-point margin.
The victory marked Guangsha’s sixth straight win and their 16th consecutive triumph at home. Despite the loss, Shanxi remains in second place, but the Lions’ performance emphasizes their dominance and the competitive spirit within the CBA.
These matches highlight the dynamic nature of this season’s CBA, with teams like Shanghai and Guangsha displaying exceptional skill and teamwork. As the league progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling basketball action showcasing some of Asia’s finest talents.
Reference(s):
CBA: Shanghai claims 15th straight win, Guangsha defeats Shanxi
cgtn.com
