Recently in the Chinese Basketball Association season opener, reigning 2025-26 champions Guangsha Lions cruised past the Shanxi Loongs 88-74 on Friday, marking a convincing start to their title defense.
Newcomer and former NBA guard Rayjon Tucker led the charge with 16 points, helping the Lions break away in the second half. Moments before tip-off, Guangsha's squad received their championship rings on home court, celebrating the franchise's first-ever title banner raised to the rafters.
The victory extended Guangsha's all-time record against Shanxi to 34-18. Yet the Loongs put up a fight, with star iHamidou Diallo scoring 17 points and 2019 NBA draftee Jaylen Nowell adding 15. Jiao Hailong chipped in another 15 points for Shanxi.
For Guangsha, national team mainstays Hu Jinqiu and Zhu Junlong contributed 13 and nine points, respectively, while offseason signee Barry Brown Jr. added 16 points off the bench.
"The new format of the competition really helps us get used to international play," Zhu said. "We'll do our best to defend our title."
The CBA regular season runs through April 24, 2026. Next up for the Lions is a clash with the Liaoning Flying Leopards, offering another high-stakes showdown early in this campaign.
Reference(s):
Defending champions Guangsha roll past Shanxi in CBA season opener
cgtn.com
