In an electrifying display of basketball prowess, the Shanghai Sharks cruised to their 15th consecutive victory in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), overpowering the Guangzhou Loong Lions with a decisive 112-81 win at home on Friday.
The Sharks surged ahead early, with Li Tianrong setting up Li Hongquan for a layup to establish an 11-5 lead. However, the Loong Lions retaliated, seizing a five-point advantage after Yuan Zhaoyao sank a three-pointer.
As the game intensified, former NBA forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. played a pivotal role, converting a second-chance layup to tie the score at 63-63. His synergy with Wang Zhelin was evident when he assisted on a layup that put Shanghai back in front. Li Tianrong further extended the lead by drilling a corner three-pointer, contributing to his career-high 31 points.
Eric Bledsoe, showcasing his playmaking skills, set up Li for additional points, while Yuan Tangwen’s long-range shot increased Shanghai’s cushion to 27 points. The Sharks continued their dominance, ultimately securing a 31-point victory. This impressive streak places them in 12th place in the standings, signaling a significant upward trajectory for the team.
In another compelling matchup, the top-ranked Guangsha Lions fortified their lead in the league by defeating the second-placed Shanxi Loongs 111-78 at home. Despite an initial burst from Shanxi’s Brandon Goodwin, who propelled his team to a nine-point lead in the second quarter, the Lions mounted a formidable comeback.
American guard Barry Brown Jr. was instrumental for Guangsha, sinking a deep three-pointer to narrow the gap and later connecting with Sun Minghui for another from beyond the arc. Brown’s stellar performance continued into the second half, where he amassed a game-high 38 points, including seven three-pointers.
Zhao Yanhao’s assist to Josh Carlton for a layup sealed the Lions’ commanding 33-point victory. This win marks Guangsha’s sixth consecutive triumph and their 16th straight home victory, reinforcing their dominance in the league. Despite the loss, Shanxi maintains their position in second place.
These exhilarating games underscore the competitive spirit within the CBA, captivating basketball enthusiasts across Asia and highlighting the growing prominence of the league on the global stage.
Reference(s):
CBA: Shanghai claims 15th straight win, Guangsha defeats Shanxi
cgtn.com
