The Beijing Ducks overcame significant adversity to secure a thrilling 111-107 overtime victory against the Shanghai Sharks in Beijing on Sunday, marking a triumphant start to their new Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season.
Despite missing several key players due to suspensions and injuries—including Fang Shuo, Zhai Xiaochuan, Zeng Fanbo, and Zhou Qi—the Ducks displayed remarkable resilience. The Sharks, with a fuller roster, capitalized early, leading 29-26 at the end of the first quarter and extending their advantage to 59-51 by halftime.
Shanghai’s Tremont Waters was instrumental in the first half, tallying 13 points and seven assists, while teammate D.J. Wilson contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists. For Beijing, Nuni Omot kept his team in contention with 12 points before the break, as Richard Solomon and Eugene German struggled to find their rhythm, combining for just 4-of-14 shooting from the field.
The third quarter saw Shanghai intensify their efforts, with Wang Zhelin delivering seven points and two rebounds in just three minutes, pushing the Sharks’ lead to a commanding 77-61. However, complacency crept into Shanghai’s play, and the Ducks seized the opportunity with an 11-0 run. By the end of the quarter, Beijing had narrowed the gap to 84-77.
In the decisive fourth quarter, Beijing’s Chen Ying-Chun emerged as a clutch performer. After struggling earlier, he sank his first three-pointer and followed it up with two more, igniting the Ducks’ rally. His third triple gave Beijing their first lead of the game at 101-99 with just 44 seconds remaining. Shanghai’s Li Tianrong responded with a layup to tie the game and then blocked Chen’s potential game-winner, sending the contest into overtime.
Overtime began with Beijing missing their first five shots, but Eugene German stepped up when it mattered most. He completed a critical three-point play, drawing Wang’s sixth personal foul, and then drained a pivotal three-pointer to put the Ducks ahead 109-107 with 46 seconds left. Shanghai’s hopes dimmed as they committed two costly turnovers—steals by Zhang Cairen and German—allowing Beijing to seal the comeback victory.
The Ducks’ tenacity and ability to overcome the absence of key players highlight their depth and determination. This win sets a positive tone for Beijing as they navigate the challenges of the new season, while Shanghai will look to regroup and address the lapses that cost them the game.
