In an electrifying turn of events, the Guangdong Southern Tigers, an 11-time CBA champion, secured a thrilling 102-95 victory over last season's runners-up, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. This win marks Xinjiang's first loss of the new season.
The game kicked off on a challenging note for Guangdong, who struggled with poor shooting accuracy and numerous errors in the first quarter. The Xinjiang Flying Tigers capitalized on these mistakes, building a commanding 11-point lead by the end of the first quarter and extending it to 20 points by halftime.
However, the second half saw a remarkable shift in momentum. Guangdong's players, including Troy Gillenwater, Hu Mingxuan, and Xu Jie, found their rhythm, steadily narrowing the gap. The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter when Guangdong managed to even the score. Crucial long-range shots by Xu Jie, Du Runwang, and Gillenwater propelled Guangdong ahead, ultimately securing the win.
Hu Mingxuan contributed significantly with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Troy Gillenwater added 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. Xu Jie, who had been underperforming in previous matches, shone brightly with 22 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. This victory not only marks Guangdong's second consecutive win but also their first home win of the season.
Looking ahead, the Guangdong Southern Tigers are set to face the Fujian Sturgeons at home on Wednesday, aiming to continue their winning streak.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
