Postseason Drama Unfolds as Teams Battle for Quarterfinal Spots
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoffs delivered high-stakes action Monday, with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers securing their quarterfinal berth and the Zhejiang Golden Bulls forcing a series decider against Qingdao. Xinjiang overcame injuries and a spirited home crowd in Nanjing to win 113-108, clinching their first-round series 2-0. Zhejiang dominated Qingdao 104-81 to set up a decisive Game Three.
Xinjiang’s Gritty Victory
Despite missing key players Zhao Rui and Li Yanzhe, Xinjiang showcased depth with all five starters scoring double digits. A third-quarter 3-point barrage (10/13 from beyond the arc) flipped the game after Nanjing’s aggressive start. 'We trusted our system when the pressure came,' said Xinjiang coach Qiu Biao postgame. Dedric Lawson led with 24 points, while Lin Wei’s 24-point near-triple-double effort couldn’t save Nanjing’s debut playoff run.
Zhejiang’s Dominant Response
Zhejiang relied on Damian Jones’ 24 points and 18 rebounds to overwhelm Qingdao. Young Eagles center Yang Hansen struggled, fouling out early with only 2 points. 'Our defense set the tone early,' stated Zhejiang guard Wu Qian. The series now shifts to Qingdao for a winner-takes-all Game Three on April 15.
Upcoming Matchups
Xinjiang faces defending champions Liaoning in the quarterfinals, while the Qingdao-Zhejiang winner meets top-seeded Guangsha. Analysts highlight Liaoning’s playoff experience as a key challenge for Xinjiang’s title ambitions.
