In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Nanjing Monkey Kings edged past the Ningbo Rockets with a 126-119 victory on Monday in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province. The home team’s forward, Guo Haowen, delivered a stellar performance, leading his side to a remarkable comeback.
Guo, who joined the Monkey Kings this season after departing from the Shanghai Sharks, has quickly become an indispensable asset for his new team. Averaging 23.3 points over the first three games, Guo continued his scoring prowess against Ningbo, who struggled to contain his offensive onslaught.
In the second quarter, Guo showcased his efficiency by scoring nine points in just eight minutes, hitting four out of seven shots from the field. His momentum carried into the third quarter, where he added 11 points through a combination of field goals and free throws, further unsettling the Rockets’ defense.
Despite Guo’s contributions, the Monkey Kings found themselves trailing 109-100 with only five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Demonstrating resilience, Guo was reintroduced to the game and promptly sank a crucial three-pointer, tying the score at 114-114 with just over a minute left on the clock.
During overtime, Guo and teammate Zeng Fanri maintained their composure at the free-throw line, sinking six consecutive shots to secure victory. Guo finished the game with a court-high 31 points and added nine rebounds to his impressive stat line, earning accolades from fans and peers alike.
In another match that evening, the Zhejiang Lions triumphed over the Sichuan Blue Whales with a 118-107 win in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The Lions extended their winning streak to five games, while the Blue Whales suffered their fifth consecutive loss.
Zhejiang established an early lead, ending the first quarter ahead 32-23 and pushing the gap to 19 points by the end of the third quarter after a barrage of three-pointers. Despite a spirited effort from Sichuan in the final quarter, the Lions reinstated their starters in the last three minutes to seal the win.
The Lions’ frontcourt duo, Nathan Knight and Hu Jinqiu, dominated the game, combining for 52 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. Guard Sun Minghui also made a significant impact with 20 points and seven assists, underscoring Zhejiang’s balanced and potent offense.
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Guo Haowen saves Nanjing Monkey Kings against Ningbo Rockets
cgtn.com
