The Guangdong Southern Tigers claimed a hard-fought 97–94 win over the Guangzhou Loong Lions in Friday's CBA clash, showcasing their depth with five players scoring double digits. While Guangzhou's Lindell Wigginton delivered a game-high 25 points, Guangdong's collective effort—led by Xu Jie and Jared Sullinger (17 points each)—proved decisive. A tense final quarter saw Guangdong build a 10-point lead before Guangzhou's Shao Weiyun narrowed the gap with a late three-pointer, but the 11-time champions held firm.
Shanghai Sharks Cruise to Team-First Win
The Shanghai Sharks secured a commanding 101–89 victory over the Jiangsu Dragons, fueled by Brandon Goodwin's 25 points and contributions from five double-digit scorers. Despite a standout 32-point performance from Jiangsu's rookie sensation Pang Zhenglin—his third consecutive strong showing—the Dragons remain winless this season.
Strategic Depth Takes Center Stage
Friday's matchups highlighted contrasting approaches in the league. Guangdong and Shanghai demonstrated the value of balanced rosters, while Guangzhou's reliance on individual brilliance and Jiangsu's emerging talent signal evolving dynamics in the 2025 CBA season.
