On December 24, the Shenzhen Leopards continued their strong start to the 2025–26 CBA season, claiming a 96–87 victory over the Sichuan Blue Whales at home in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province in the Chinese mainland. With this win, Shenzhen notched their second straight victory, while Sichuan’s slump deepened to six losses without a single win.
Despite a rough shooting night—He Xining missed 11 of 17 field-goal attempts, including six from beyond the arc—Shenzhen’s star guard fueled his team’s attack by drawing nine trips to the free-throw line and converting eight. The 28-year-old finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists, just one rebound shy of a triple-double. He also chipped in two steals, anchoring a balanced Leopards effort that maintained a double-digit lead through most of the game.
On the other side, Jing Hanyi and Duan Ruiqi combined for 44 points, but their output was not enough to lift the Blue Whales out of the early-season struggles. Alongside the Jiangsu Dragons, Sichuan remains one of only two winless teams in the league.
Elsewhere on December 24, the Jilin Northeast Tigers continued their hot streak, defeating the Beijing Royal Fighters 87–73 at home for their fourth straight win, while the Royal Fighters suffered their fourth consecutive loss.
On the road, the Qingdao Eagles edged out the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 97–79. Jordan Mickey led Qingdao with a 23-point, 15-rebound double-double, supported by four teammates joining him in double figures. The Flying Tigers’ newly signed American guard, Kevon Harris, made his CBA debut in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, tallying 17 points, four rebounds and four assists, but also committing seven turnovers.
With a packed schedule ahead, the race for CBA playoff positioning only intensifies as teams look to build momentum before the midseason break.
Reference(s):
Shenzhen keeps Sichuan winless in CBA with 96-87 victory at home
cgtn.com
