The Shanghai Sharks triumphed over the Fujian Sturgeons with a commanding score of 114-92 in Shanghai Municipality on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to nine games.
Despite being in form since the second stage of the 2024-25 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season, the Fujian Sturgeons have struggled, sitting at the bottom of the league with only one win. The Sturgeons initially put up a fight, with Zou Yang and Rashawn Thomas giving Fujian a one-point lead, 24-23, after the first quarter.
As the game progressed, both teams found it challenging to attack efficiently. However, Shanghai managed to outscore Fujian 19-14 in the second quarter, securing a 42-38 lead by halftime. Notably, Fujian failed to deliver any assists in the first two quarters.
The third quarter saw Kenneth Lofton Jr. and Li Tianrong combine forces to dominate the court, outscoring Fujian 40-25. Lofton Jr. impressed by making all three of his field goal attempts, contributing six points, five assists, one steal, and two blocks. Li Tianrong added 10 points in this quarter alone, helping Shanghai build a 19-point lead at 82-63.
In the fourth quarter, Joseph Young attempted to revive Fujian's offense, but Lofton Jr. continued his stellar performance, scoring 10 points within four minutes and pushing the game into garbage time early. Lofton Jr. finished the game with a double-double of 28 points and 16 rebounds, along with six assists, two steals, and two blocks, shooting 11-for-17 from the field.
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Kenneth Lofton Jr. extends Shanghai Sharks winning streak to 9 games
cgtn.com
