The highly anticipated clash between the Xinjiang Flying Tigers and the Shanxi Loongs on Sunday night delivered a spectacular performance, marking the most exhilarating game of the CBA season to date.
Xinjiang, bolstered by a formidable lineup, entered the game with an impressive 12-game home winning streak. Shanxi, showcasing a balanced offense and defense, had been equally formidable, riding a seven-game winning streak.
In a nail-biting contest that extended into overtime, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers ultimately outplayed the Shanxi Loongs with a 128-121 victory, preserving their remarkable home record.
The game kicked off with both teams trading baskets in a tightly contested first quarter. After a 10-10 tie, Xinjiang surged ahead with a swift six-point run. Shanxi quickly countered, utilizing their inside game to narrow the gap to a single point by the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, Xinjiang’s Li Yanzhe and Abudurexiti Abudushalamu took center stage, combining for 18 points and driving the hosts’ offense. Shanxi responded with Yuan Shuai sinking multiple three-pointers and former NBA player Hamidou Diallo penetrating Xinjiang’s defense. The lead oscillated between the teams, and a last-second three-pointer by Diallo gave Shanxi a slim 54-53 lead at halftime.
The third quarter proved pivotal as Xinjiang began to assert their dominance. Xierzhati Saimati exploded for 12 points, while Qi Lin and Dedric Lawson contributed crucial baskets. Xinjiang outscored Shanxi by 17 points in this period, extending their lead to 16 points and taking control of the game.
However, the fourth quarter brought unexpected drama as Xinjiang fell into a scoring slump. Shanxi capitalized on the opportunity, with Brandon Goodwin orchestrating a comeback that saw them regain the lead with just five minutes remaining. Q.J. Peterson stepped up for Xinjiang, drawing fouls and converting free throws to tie the game. In the final minute, Zhang Ning’s clutch jump shot was quickly answered by Lawson’s free throws. Goodwin’s missed three-pointer at the buzzer sent the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Peterson and Saimati wasted no time, each hitting three-pointers that swung momentum back to Xinjiang. Despite Shanxi’s efforts, including a three-pointer from Zhang, Xinjiang held firm. Lawson’s successful free throws in the final moments secured the victory, ending Shanxi’s seven-game winning streak amidst roaring applause from the home crowd.
On the same night, the Beijing Royal Fighters edged past the Shenzhen Leopards with a 109-95 win. This victory propelled the capital club to ninth place, while the Leopards remained at sixteenth.
Reference(s):
Xinjiang ends Shanxi's winning streak in high-stakes CBA thriller
cgtn.com
