The Shanghai Sharks cemented their status as the team to beat in the 2025-2026 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season, crushing the Sichuan Blue Whales 111-71 on March 22. The win extends their league-leading streak to nine games, with rising star Li Hongquan delivering a standout performance of 21 points, five rebounds, and three assists in just 23 minutes.
Seven Shanghai players scored double digits, showcasing the squad’s depth as they improved to 24-4. While Sichuan kept pace early, trailing 25-21 after the first quarter, the Sharks’ 34-14 second-quarter surge sealed their 13th win in 14 games. The Blue Whales remain winless this season.
In other March 22 action, Zhao Rui’s season-high 34 points powered the Beijing Ducks to a 93-83 comeback win over the Liaoning Flying Leopards. The Ducks erased a fourth-quarter deficit with a 14-2 run, rebounding from a recent upset loss to Fujian.
The Qingdao Eagles edged the Nanjing Monkey Kings 95-88, while the Zhejiang Golden Bulls routed the Jilin Northeast Tigers 98-73. The Fujian Sturgeons narrowly lost 100-98 to Shanxi, and Guangzhou defeated Ningbo 95-83.
With the playoffs approaching, the Sharks’ blend of star power and teamwork positions them as strong contenders for their first CBA title since 2022.
