The Liaoning Flying Leopards commenced their quest for a fourth consecutive Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) title with a thrilling 123-112 victory over the Zhejiang Golden Bulls on Saturday night in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. In front of a home crowd, the defending champions overcame a first-half deficit to secure a triumphant start to the 2024-25 CBA season.
Prior to tip-off, the Flying Leopards celebrated their illustrious history by receiving their championship rings and raising their fourth banner to the rafters. However, the festivities did not distract the visiting Golden Bulls, who came out strong in the opening quarter. Zhejiang showcased impressive accuracy from beyond the arc, going 6-for-12 on three-pointers and seizing a 33-31 lead.
The Golden Bulls intensified their offensive onslaught in the second quarter, orchestrating 6-0 and 8-2 runs to widen their advantage. Gabriel York and Yu Jiahao led the charge, both scoring in double figures, as Zhejiang extended their lead to nine points at halftime, with the scoreboard reading 61-52.
Despite the setback, the Flying Leopards remained undeterred. Kyle Fogg and Marial Shayok, who had combined for 37 points in the first half, continued to propel Liaoning’s offense. In a remarkable third quarter, Fogg, last season’s CBA Finals Most Valuable Player, spearheaded a 42-21 surge that flipped the game in the hosts’ favor. By the end of the third period, Liaoning had established a 94-82 lead.
The momentum carried into the fourth quarter as the Flying Leopards unleashed an 11-0 run, extending their lead to 18 points at 107-89. The Golden Bulls attempted a comeback, with Lu Wenbo sinking back-to-back three-pointers and Wu Qian connecting from deep. Paris Bass contributed with a floater, trimming the deficit to seven points at 115-108.
Sensing the shift, Liaoning called a crucial timeout to regroup. Returning to the court with renewed focus, Zhao Jiwei and Kyle Fogg each nailed pivotal three-pointers, effectively sealing the victory for the champions. Fogg’s stellar performance, along with strong team coordination, ensured the Flying Leopards maintained control until the final buzzer.
The victory marks a promising start for Liaoning’s campaign to secure a fifth overall CBA title. Their ability to rally from behind and execute under pressure underscores the team’s resilience and championship pedigree. As the season unfolds, fans can anticipate more high-octane performances from both Liaoning and Zhejiang, signaling an exciting year ahead in Chinese basketball.
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Defending champions Liaoning beat Zhejiang 123-112 to open CBA season
cgtn.com
