The Shanghai Sharks continued their impressive run in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) by securing their sixth consecutive victory, defeating the Shenzhen Leopards 103-99 on the road. Kenneth Lofton delivered a standout performance, recording a triple-double with 22 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The game began with the Leopards taking an early lead, thanks to a three-pointer from He Xining followed by another from Markell Johnson, putting Shenzhen ahead by five points. The Sharks struggled to find their footing in the first quarter but regained momentum in the second. Led by Lofton’s dynamic play, Shanghai overturned the deficit and entered halftime with a six-point advantage.
In the third quarter, the Sharks extended their lead. Lofton and D.J. Wilson each sank three-pointers, bolstering Shanghai’s position. However, Shenzhen’s Zhou Peng responded with a triple of his own, narrowing the gap to three. Lofton answered by driving to the basket for a layup, pushing the Sharks ahead by five once more.
As the clock wound down, Lofton continued to dominate. The former NBA forward added crucial points, maintaining Shanghai’s lead. With less than a minute remaining, he sealed the victory with another decisive layup. The Sharks held off the Leopards’ late surge to win by four points.
This victory propels the Shanghai Sharks up to 15th place in the standings, while the Shenzhen Leopards slip to 18th. The Sharks’ winning streak underscores their rising form in the league, with Lofton’s exemplary performance highlighting his impact on the team’s success.
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Lofton tallies triple-double to hand Shanghai 6th straight victory
cgtn.com
