Royal Fighters Claim Playoff Victory in Beijing Showdown
The Beikong Royal Fighters sealed their quarterfinal berth in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Playoffs with a decisive 93-84 victory over the Shandong Kylins on Tuesday, completing a 2-0 sweep of their first-round series. The win sets up an all-Beijing clash against cross-town rivals the Beijing Ducks in the next round.
Grant Riller emerged as the night's MVP, delivering 24 points and 8 assists. His aggressive drives alongside teammates Liao Sanning and Shen Zijie forced 12 made free throws from 13 attempts – a critical factor in clinching the home victory. "This is what you dream of," Riller told reporters post-game. "Two Beijing teams battling it out… we know they're good, but we'll stick to our plan."
Despite shooting 33% from three-point range, Beikong maintained control through dominant rebounding (led by Jared Sullinger's 14 boards) and stifling defense. A late fourth-quarter rally by Shandong, fueled by Dallas Moore and Gao Shiyan, narrowed Beikong's 19-point lead to just five with 50 seconds remaining. Key plays from Meng Zikai and Shen Zijie ultimately sealed the Kylins' fate, extending their postseason losing streak to eight games.
The Royal Fighters now prepare for a best-of-five quarterfinal series starting April 15 at Beijing's Olympic Sports Center.
