In a thrilling conclusion to the season, the Shanghai Sharks have ascended to the top of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), defeating the Guangsha Lions 103-82 in Game 5 of the Finals on Friday. With this victory, the Sharks clinched the best-of-seven series 4-1, marking their first league title in 24 years and their second championship in franchise history.
The atmosphere was electric as the Sharks returned to their home court, bolstered by the return of Kenneth Lofton to the lineup. Shanghai set the tone early with a decisive 5-0 opening run. While the Guangsha Lions attempted to pivot and adjust their strategy following Game 4, the Sharks managed to keep a slender lead, heading into the first quarter break with a 28-24 advantage.
The second period saw a surge from the Lions, who utilized a 12-5 run to momentarily seize the lead. However, the Sharks displayed remarkable resilience; led by Zhang Zhenlin, they gradually regained momentum in a tightly contested half, securing a narrow 49-47 lead going into halftime.
The second half signaled a shift in momentum. Shanghai unleashed a relentless attack, with Wang Zhelin and Kyle Fogg taking control of the game. In a pivotal stretch, Fogg scored 12 consecutive points, effectively breaking the spirit of the opposition. By the end of the third quarter, Shanghai had extended their lead to 76-69.
Despite a brief attempt by Guangsha to close the gap to four points early in the fourth quarter, the Sharks quickly restored dominance. They overwhelmed the visitors in the final frame, outscoring them 27-13 to seal a convincing victory and ignite celebrations across the city.
Individual performances were stellar, with Wang Zhelin leading the way for Shanghai with a massive 29 points and 15 rebounds. Brandon Goodwin, who was named Finals MVP, contributed 25 points, while Kyle Fogg added 17 and Zhang Zhenlin chipped in with 13. For the Guangsha Lions, Barry Brown put up a valiant effort with a game-high 33 points, and Hu Jinqiu added 20 points and nine rebounds.
This championship serves as the crowning achievement of a historically dominant season. The Sharks finished the regular season with a league-best 38-4 record and matched their franchise record from the 2001-02 season with a stunning 23-game winning streak, cementing their status as the powerhouse of the league on the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
Shanghai Sharks beat Guangsha Lions to win first CBA title in 24 years
cgtn.com
