The Shanghai Sharks delivered a commanding performance on Monday, January 5, defeating defending champions Guangsha Lions 99-77 in a Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) clash that reshaped the league standings. The victory extends Shanghai's winning streak to seven games, positioning them at the top of the table through tiebreakers after both teams finished with identical 9-2 records.
After an early three-pointer by Guangsha's Sun Minghui gave the Lions a 16-15 lead, the Sharks responded with strategic plays from Li Hongquan and international star Kenneth Lofton. The American center's pivotal layup and assist to Wang Zhelin for a thunderous dunk ignited Shanghai's second-quarter surge, with Brandon Goodwin's three-pointer pushing the advantage to double digits.
Despite efforts from Guangsha's Zhao Yanhao, who tied the first quarter at 28-28 with a clutch three-pointer, the Lions couldn't contain Shanghai's balanced offense. Six Sharks players scored in double figures, showcasing the team's depth and collaborative playstyle that has become their trademark this season.
This result marks a significant shift in the CBA landscape, ending Guangsha's eight-game winning streak while demonstrating Shanghai's emergence as serious title contenders. With both teams now level on wins, analysts predict intensified competition as the season progresses through January 2026.
