In an exhilarating Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) showdown in Hangzhou, the Guangsha Lions showcased resilience by overcoming a 17-point deficit to secure an 83-79 victory against the Beijing Ducks. This triumph marks Guangsha's fifth consecutive win, solidifying their position this season.
Making headlines was Guangsha's new acquisition, Serbian giant Boban Marjanovic, who made his much-anticipated debut for the team. Standing at an impressive 2.22 meters with a 2.39-meter wingspan, Marjanovic made an immediate impact by effortlessly dunking over Zhou Qi. Despite his limited time on the court, playing seven minutes off the bench, he contributed four points, two rebounds, and one steal, showing glimpses of his potential to influence future games.
The first quarter was a defensive battle with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, culminating in a tight 22-17 lead for Beijing. Guangsha's star point guard, Sun Minghui, faced challenges early on, scoring only six points in the first half alongside former CBA MVP Hu Jinqiu, who added just three points. By halftime, Beijing had extended their lead to 42-36, putting Guangsha in a precarious position.
As the third quarter unfolded, Beijing seemed poised to widen the gap, reaching a 64-47 advantage. However, Guangsha's determination shone through as they initiated a crucial 7-0 run, signaling a shift in momentum heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was a testament to Guangsha's offensive prowess. They outscored Beijing 13-2 in the first four minutes, taking a slender lead at 67-66. With the game tense and the score tied at 77-77 with just a minute remaining, Guangsha's Zhu Junlong and Barry Brown stepped up, sinking six free throws to ultimately secure the win at 83-77. Beijing's final attempts faltered, with Lei Meng managing only one face-saving jumper in the closing moments.
This victory not only highlights Guangsha's strategic comeback but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead, with fans eagerly anticipating more performances from their new star, Boban Marjanovic.
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Guangsha come back to defeat Beijing in Boban Marjanovic's debut
cgtn.com
