In a thrilling clash of Chinese Basketball Association titans, the Shanxi Loongs shocked league leaders Guangsha Lions 100-98 on Wednesday, snapping their 12-game winning streak and ending their 19-game home dominance in Hangzhou. The victory reshapes the CBA landscape as teams vie for playoff positioning.
Key Moments Define Epic Rivalry
The game saw multiple lead changes, with Guangsha's Hu Jinqiu and Sun Minghui battling Shanxi's Zhang Ning and Yuan Shuai in a scoring duel. Zhang's buzzer-beating layup capped a defensive masterclass in the final minute, forcing critical errors from the previously unstoppable Lions.
Turning Points
Shanxi capitalized on Guangsha's third-quarter scoring drought with an 11-0 run, while Liu Chuanxing's clutch free throws at 98-96 set the stage for the dramatic finish. The Lions' 14-1 fourth-quarter rally nearly salvaged victory before Shanxi's defensive stand sealed their fate.
League-Wide Implications
The upset comes as other contenders made moves:
- Guangdong Southern Tigers dominated Liaoning 127-83
- Shanghai Sharks overpowered Tianjin 126-113
- Xinjiang Flying Tigers continued ascent with 110-103 win
With playoffs approaching, the CBA's competitive balance continues to surprise fans and analysts alike.
Reference(s):
Shanxi end Guangsha's 12-game winning streak in CBA's top battle
cgtn.com