In a highly charged Game One of the Chinese Basketball Association Playoffs, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers overpowered the Nanjing Monkey Kings 118-111 in Urumqi. The Tigers set the tone early with an 11-point surge in the first quarter, led by Qi Lin, Li Yanzhe, and Dedric Lawson, who established a commanding lead at 25-14.
Nanjing responded with a series of three-pointers from Zhu Mingzhen, Tian Yuheng, and T.J. Leaf, narrowing the deficit to 32-27 by the end of the period. However, the home side's American big man, Montrezl Harrell, showcased his offensive prowess in the second quarter, expanding the lead to over 20 points. Despite a spirited 10-2 run by Nanjing that trimmed the deficit to 15 points at halftime (66-51), Xinjiang maintained control.
In the third quarter, efforts from Lin Wei and T.J. Leaf, supported by aggressive drives from Guo Haowen, reduced the gap to seven points (80-73). Crucial three-pointers by Qi Lin and Sindarius Thornwell then pushed the Tigers ahead, finishing the period at 95-85.
The fourth quarter brought intense moments, especially after Zhao Rui was forced off with a knee injury. Although Nanjing mounted a late rally with Lin and Zhu draining a series of triples to bring the score to a nail-biting 114-111 with less than two minutes remaining, the Flying Tigers held their nerve and secured a three-point victory.
In a parallel postseason opener, the Qingdao Eagles cruised to a 112-96 win over the Zhejiang Golden Bulls. Wang Ruize led Qingdao with 36 points, including six three-pointers, and a decisive 22-2 run in the final quarter transformed a close game into a comfortable win. Game Two of this series is scheduled in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province.
This thrilling start to the playoffs highlights not only the dynamic talent on display but also the intense competition energizing basketball fans worldwide.
Reference(s):
Xinjiang shuts down Nanjing's comeback efforts to begin CBA Playoffs
cgtn.com
