The Shanghai Sharks are now just one victory away from ending a 24-year championship drought. In a commanding performance on Sunday, the Sharks crushed the Guangsha Lions 110-77 in Game 3 of the CBA Finals, taking a decisive 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The atmosphere was electric as the visitors established their presence early, matching Guangsha's firepower throughout a competitive first half. While the defending champions attempted to maintain their footing in the early stages, Shanghai's disciplined defense and efficient scoring gradually shifted the momentum in their favor.
The true turning point arrived after the break. In a devastating third quarter, Shanghai overwhelmed the hosts, effectively shutting down Guangsha's offense while continuing to carve through the defense. The lead quickly ballooned into an insurmountable margin, leaving the Lions with little hope of a comeback.
The victory was fueled by a balanced offensive attack. Brandon Goodwin once again proved to be a catalyst, posting 28 points and 10 assists. He was well-supported by Zhang Zhenlin, who added 23 points, and Kyle Fogg, who contributed 22. Li Hongquan provided a critical interior presence, recording a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, as five Shanghai players reached double figures.
Despite the loss, Guangsha's Barry Brown fought hard, finishing with 29 points. However, the star guard lacked the necessary support to keep the reigning champions competitive, resulting in the most lopsided defeat for the Lions in this year's Finals.
Perhaps most impressive was Shanghai's dominance on the glass. Despite playing without Hassan Whiteside and Kenneth Lofton, the Sharks outrebounded Guangsha 43-27, repeatedly creating extra possessions that stifled any hopes of a Guangsha rally.
Reflecting on the performance, Shanghai head coach Lu Wei attributed the win to the team's mental fortitude. "We did have a better performance in the game. I think that was the result of a stronger desire to win," Lu Wei stated. "Many players told me this season that they were eager to bring a trophy to Shanghai."
As the series moves to Zhejiang for Game 4 this Tuesday, the stakes could not be higher. While Guangsha faces the nearly impossible task of winning four straight games to save their title defense, the Shanghai Sharks stand on the verge of completing a memorable season and bringing the championship trophy home for the first time since the 2001-02 season.
Reference(s):
Shanghai on brink of historic CBA title with a 3-0 lead in Finals
cgtn.com
