In a night of celebration and grit, the Guangzhou Loong Lions secured a thrilling 108-101 victory over the Shenzhen Leopards on Tuesday in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province. The win marks Guangzhou’s second consecutive triumph and highlights Guo Ailun’s remarkable milestone in his 500th game in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
Having joined Guangzhou during the offseason, Guo displayed exceptional leadership and skill from the onset. He ignited his team with 10 points and three assists in the first quarter, propelling the visitors to a strong 34-24 lead.
Shenzhen leaned heavily on He Xining, who delivered an impressive 18 points in the first half, including four three-pointers. Despite his efforts, Shenzhen struggled to keep pace as Guangzhou extended their advantage to 67-55 by halftime.
The Loong Lions roared into the third quarter with an 8-0 run, establishing a commanding 20-point lead at 75-55. However, momentum shifted when Guo took a break on the bench. Seizing the opportunity, Shenzhen outscored Guangzhou 25-18 in the quarter, narrowing the gap to 85-80.
The tension escalated in the fourth quarter as Shenzhen’s rally brought them within a single point at 85-84. Sensing the urgency, Guo returned to the court and orchestrated a series of dynamic plays. He dismantled Shenzhen’s defense with isolation attacks, including a stunning ankle-breaker against Li Muhao, and sealed the game with a decisive layup in the final 20 seconds.
Guo’s stellar performance culminated in team highs of 25 points and seven assists, making his 500th CBA game a memorable one. Overcome with emotion, the 30-year-old expressed his determination after the game.
“I can still play basketball,” Guo said through tears. “Some said I couldn’t do it anymore. They said I’m retiring.”
Guo’s inspiring display not only silenced his critics but also energized Guangzhou’s campaign moving forward. As the Loong Lions celebrate this victory, fans across the region eagerly anticipate their next matchup, hopeful for more stellar performances from their seasoned guard.
Reference(s):
Guo Ailun celebrates his 500th CBA game with victory for Guangzhou
cgtn.com
