The Chinese Basketball Association's regular season concluded this past Friday with a dramatic final night that reshaped the playoff landscape. In a high-stakes clash, the Shenzhen Leopards secured a commanding 99-86 victory over the Guangzhou Loong Lions, clinching the coveted third seed for the upcoming playoffs.
This third-place finish marks the best regular season standing in the Leopards' franchise history, granting them a direct bye into the quarterfinals. The achievement underscores their growth as a dominant force in the league this year.
The game was defined by standout performances. Shenzhen's Terquavion Smith showcased absolute dominance, achieving a triple-double with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists. Meanwhile, MVP candidate He Xining was a force from beyond the arc, sinking seven three-pointers on his way to a team-high 29 points. Their efforts propelled Shenzhen to a stunning 35-15 lead after the first quarter.
Despite the loss on their home court, the Guangzhou Loong Lions' season is far from over. They secured the 12th and final playoff berth, thanks to the Beijing Royal Fighters' loss to the Ningbo Rockets elsewhere on the final night. Lindell Wigginton led the Lions' valiant effort with a game-high 32 points and seven assists.
The playoff brackets are now officially set. The Leopards will enjoy a rest period, awaiting the winner of the first-round series between the Zhejiang Golden Bulls and the first-time postseason participants, the Ningbo Rockets.
In other first-round matchups, the Loong Lions face a formidable challenge against the fifth-seeded Guangdong Southern Tigers. The winner of that series will advance to face the fourth-seeded Beijing Ducks. Elsewhere, the defending champion Guangsha Lions will take on the victor of the Qingdao Eagles vs. Shanxi Loongs series, while the Shandong Kylins clash with the Liaoning Flying Leopards, with a potential meeting against the top-seeded Shanghai Sharks awaiting the winner.
The stage is now set for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable CBA postseason. As teams across China prepare for the intensified competition, basketball fans are gearing up for a showcase of the sport's finest talent in the region.
Final night results:
Fujian Sturgeons 93-91 Guangdong Southern Tigers
Jiangsu Dragons 89-108 Liaoning Flying Leopards
Qingdao Eagles 94-84 Xinjiang Flying Tigers
Shandong Kylins 88-94 Shanghai Sharks
Shanxi Loongs 116-96 Nanjing Monkey Kings
Beijing Ducks 105-55 Jilin Northeast Tigers
Sichuan Blue Whales 81-104 Zhejiang Golden Bulls
Guangsha Lions 103-93 Tianjin Pioneers
Reference(s):
Shenzhen beats Guangzhou to clinch third seed in upcoming CBA Playoffs
cgtn.com
