The Guangsha Lions etched their name in Chinese basketball history on Tuesday night, defeating the Beijing Ducks 125-118 in Game 6 of the CBA Finals to claim their first-ever league championship. The victory capped a thrilling best-of-seven series that showcased Asia's growing prominence in competitive sports.
American guard Barry Brown delivered a career-defining performance with 41 points, nine assists, and three steals, earning Finals MVP honors. His partnership with Sun Minghui (15 points, 10 assists) and Hu Jinqiu (17 points) proved decisive, particularly during a pivotal second-quarter 10-0 run that shifted momentum permanently in Guangsha's favor.
Beijing's Zhou Qi mounted a formidable challenge with 31 points and 10 rebounds, supported by Eugene German's 25-point effort. The Ducks briefly rallied in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 103-103 through Zhou's relentless inside presence, before Zhu Junlong's clutch three-pointer and free throws sealed Guangsha's historic win in the final minute.
The championship game drew international attention to China's premier basketball league, underscoring the CBA's rising profile as a development platform for both domestic talent and international players. With seven Guangsha players scoring double digits and Beijing's starters all reaching the same mark, the contest highlighted the depth of athletic talent across Asia's sports ecosystem.
