In a high-stakes encounter that electrified basketball fans across the Chinese mainland, the Beijing Ducks delivered a commanding performance to level their best-of-five CBA Playoff semifinal series. On Sunday, the fourth-seeded Ducks outclassed the top-seeded Shanghai Sharks 99-88 on the road, successfully responding to their opening-game defeat.
The contest began as a tightly contested battle. The Ducks found early stability through Zhou Qi, who anchored the interior with a solid double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. The teams remained locked in a stalemate for much of the first half, with Zhao Rui assisting Zeng Fanbo for a crucial corner three to leave the score tied at 42-42 entering the break.
The momentum shifted decisively in the second half as Beijing increased the intensity. Chen Ying-Chun ignited the Ducks' offense with a deep three-pointer, while Zhao Rui continued his efficiency from beyond the arc, racking up 15 points for the evening. This surge allowed Beijing to outscore their opponents 30-21 in the third quarter, establishing a psychological and numerical edge.
The final period was dominated by the brilliance of Eugene German. The American guard took control of the game, scoring 15 of his 22 points in the closing ten minutes. A stylish step-back three and an explosive 11-2 run to open the fourth quarter helped Xu Limin's team build a comfortable 83-65 cushion.
Chen Ying-Chun ultimately sealed the victory with a trademark jumper, finishing the night as the team's leading scorer with 26 points. This 11-point win shifts the momentum back in favor of the Ducks, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 3, which will be contested in Beijing this Wednesday.
Reference(s):
Beijing Ducks even series with win over Shanghai in CBA Playoffs
cgtn.com
