The Shanghai Sharks have emphatically marched into the CBA semifinals after completing a 2-0 series sweep of the Shandong Kylins. In a decisive Game 2 held in Jinan, on the Chinese mainland, the Sharks cruised to a 96-68 victory, showcasing a dominant performance on both ends of the court.
Shanghai established their authority from the opening whistle, seizing control with a powerful 29-12 run in the first quarter. The offensive charge was led by Kenneth Lofton Jr., who delivered a comprehensive performance with 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Brandon Goodwin provided critical support, contributing 13 points and seven assists to keep the offense fluid and efficient.
For the Shandong Kylins, the night was one of frustration despite a few individual highlights. Chen Linxun emerged as the lone bright spot for the hosts, scoring a game-high 21 points and knocking down five three-pointers. However, his efforts were not enough to spark a comeback as the team struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm.
The game was ultimately decided by Shanghai's suffocating defense. The Sharks held Shandong to a mere 35.1% shooting from the field and completely dominated the paint, recording a 7-0 advantage in blocks. The struggle was evident for Shandong's key players; Keyontae Johnson faced a difficult night, missing 14 of his 19 shot attempts and committing three turnovers, while Sacha Killeya-Jones struggled with ball security, turning the ball over five times.
With the series victory secured, the Shanghai Sharks now turn their attention to the semifinals, where they are set to face either the Beijing Ducks or the Guangdong Southern Tigers in a highly anticipated clash for a spot in the finals.
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Shanghai Sharks sweep past Shandong Kylins to reach CBA semifinals
cgtn.com
