The Shanxi Loongs cemented their playoff credentials with a decisive 124-106 victory over the Guangdong Southern Tigers in Game 3 of the CBA quarterfinals on Saturday. The win completed a 3-0 series sweep, marking the first time in three years that the 11-time champion Guangdong team has been eliminated this early in the postseason.
Shanxi's balanced offense overwhelmed Guangdong in Dongguan, with Hamidou Diallo leading the charge with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Bench players proved pivotal as Trey Kell III (18 points) and five other teammates scored in double digits. Guangdong struggled with efficiency, relying heavily on Troy Gillenwater's 36-point bench performance while starters combined for just 36 points.
After a back-and-forth first half ending 68-66 in Guangdong's favor, Shanxi tightened their defense in the third quarter. A 25-13 scoring run and Guangdong's five-minute field goal drought shifted momentum decisively. Fourth-quarter three-pointers from Xing Zhiqiang sealed the historic victory, leaving Guangdong to match their franchise's worst playoff result.
The Loongs now await their semifinal opponent between Beijing Ducks and Beikong Royal Fighters, demonstrating China's growing basketball competitiveness as emerging teams challenge traditional powerhouses.
