The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Playoffs have commenced with a stunning turn of events, as the underdog Shanxi Loongs pulled off a dramatic road victory against the defending champions, the Guangsha Lions. In a nail-biting opener, the tenth-seeded Loongs secured a 92-90 win, claiming a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three quarterfinal series.
The match began with the Lions asserting their dominance. Early coordination between Hu Jinqiu and Lin Bingsheng gave Guangsha an initial edge, with a wide-open three-pointer pushing them ahead 6-5. However, the Loongs displayed remarkable resilience. Just before the end of the first quarter, Jiao Hailong assisted Zhang Ning for a timely triple, leveling the score at 25-all.
The second-seeded Guangsha Lions attempted to regain control in the second quarter, led by the explosive energy of Barry Brown. The reigning Finals MVP electrified the home crowd with a powerful dunk over Ibrahima Fall Faye, extending the lead to 48-44. Brown continued his dominant performance throughout the second half, finishing the game with a high of 35 points, including a spectacular acrobatic layup assisted by Hu.
Despite the pressure, the Shanxi Loongs remained composed. In the closing moments of the fourth quarter, a missed free throw by Marcos Knight created a critical rebound opportunity. Knight quickly capitalized, feeding Jiao for a corner three that tied the game. The tension peaked in the final seconds when Yumiti Sedak delivered a decisive putback, sealing the victory and sending shockwaves through the league.
In another key opener, the Shenzhen Leopards secured a convincing 108-95 home victory over the Zhejiang Golden Bulls. While the Golden Bulls started strong thanks to a three-pointer by Cheng Shuaipeng, Shenzhen responded quickly. Debutant Ibou Badji made an immediate impact with a dunk set up by Lu Pengyu, shifting the momentum back to the home side.
League MVP He Xining proved why he holds the title, dominating the court with a game-high 32 points. His ability to hit crucial shots, including a vital three-pointer during a moment of uncertainty, kept the Leopards firmly in command. Terquavion Smith also played a pivotal role, hitting long-range shots to cement Shenzhen's lead and guide them to a decisive win.
Reference(s):
Shanxi Loongs pull off upset over Guangsha Lions in CBA Playoff opener
cgtn.com
