In a nail-biting Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) clash, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls snapped the Shanghai Sharks' dominant 14-game home winning streak with a 99-97 victory on Wednesday. The high-stakes matchup in Shanghai Municipality captivated fans with dramatic momentum shifts and standout performances, reshaping playoff standings ahead of the postseason.
Zhejiang’s balanced offense proved decisive, with five players scoring in double digits. American import Gabe York and rising star Cheng Shuaipeng led the charge, combining for critical baskets during pivotal moments. Shanghai’s Kenneth Lofton Jr. dominated individually, racking up 40 points and 10 rebounds, but the Sharks struggled to contain Zhejiang’s depth in the closing minutes.
The game turned when Shanghai rallied in the fourth quarter to tie at 85-85, fueled by Wang Zhelin’s physicality in the paint. However, Cheng Shuaipeng’s clutch layup with 33 seconds left secured Zhejiang’s narrow lead, while missed free throws and a buzzer-beater attempt sealed Shanghai’s fate.
Meanwhile, other CBA matchups saw the Beijing Ducks triumph over the Qingdao Eagles 110-101, and the Guangdong Southern Tigers overpowered the Sichuan Blue Whales 101-73. The Xinjiang Flying Tigers solidified their playoff position with a convincing 118-102 win against the Shenzhen Leopards.
