Game 4 of the Chinese National Basketball League (NBL) Finals unfolded Monday in Changsha, Hunan Province on the Chinese mainland, and it was the Hong Kong Bulls who left no doubt. With an 85-71 victory over the host team Changsha Yongsheng, the Bulls clinched the series 3-1 to secure back-to-back championships.
Despite a rocky start–missing 12 of 20 field-goal attempts in the first quarter–the Bulls hung tough, draining four 3-pointers to keep the score at 22-19. By halftime, a disciplined defense held Changsha to just 14 points in the second frame, and the Bulls opened a 48-33 lead.
The third quarter belonged to Hong Kong, as they poured in points at will and extended their advantage to 72-48. Changsha Yongsheng mustered a 12-6 run to open the fourth, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.
Offensively, four Bulls reached double figures, led by Josh Carlton's game-high 24 points. Michael Ertel II added 17 points–three of them from beyond the arc–and earned Finals MVP honors for his all-around performance.
For global hoops fans and digital nomads chasing sports adventures, Hong Kong's repeat title run showcases the growing allure of emerging leagues on the Chinese mainland. The Bulls' balanced attack and resilient defense underline a team built for big moments–and a season to remember.
Key stats:
- Josh Carlton: 24 points
- Michael Ertel II: 17 points, 3 three-pointers (Finals MVP)
- First-quarter FG: 8 of 20 by Bulls, 22-19 lead
- Halftime advantage: 48-33
- Largest lead: 24 points (72-48)
Reference(s):
Hong Kong Bulls defeat Changsha Yongsheng to defend NBL title
cgtn.com
