The Beijing Ducks have successfully navigated a challenging week in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), closing their recent stretch with a commendable 2-1 record. This performance comes after facing top-tier teams like the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, Liaoning Flying Leopards, and Zhejiang Golden Bulls—all of whom secured top positions in last season's standings.
The Ducks kicked off the series with a tough 108-97 loss to Xinjiang on the road. Undeterred, they bounced back on New Year's Day with a decisive 105-90 victory against the three-time defending champions, Liaoning, boosting team morale significantly.
Friday night brought another crucial matchup against the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, a team that had edged out Beijing twice last season. The Ducks entered the game with uncertainties as coach Xu Liming grappled with key injuries. Newly-signed center Zhou Qi had returned from his second injury stint of the season, but the absence of point guard Chen Ying-chun, sidelined with an ankle sprain, posed a significant challenge.
From the tip-off, the game was intensely competitive, with both teams showcasing high shooting percentages. Eugene German stood out by relentlessly attacking the basket, scoring 14 points in the first quarter alone and helping Beijing secure a 32-24 lead by the end of the opening period.
Leveraging their inside advantage, the Ducks dominated the paint while maintaining sharp perimeter shooting. Their defensive prowess kept the Golden Bulls at bay, ensuring Beijing led 65-50 at halftime.
Although the Ducks had a sluggish start to the third quarter, coach Xu's strategic substitutions kept the momentum in Beijing's favor, extending their lead to 91-74 by the end of the period. In the final quarter, Zhang Cairen and Sun Yahui hit consecutive three-pointers, further solidifying the Ducks' advantage. As the game moved into garbage time, bench players and young prospects made the most of their opportunities, culminating in a resounding 118-96 victory over Zhejiang.
This win not only set a season-high for points in a single game but also marked the end of a demanding week for the Beijing Ducks, showcasing their resilience and depth as a team.
Reference(s):
Beijing ends tough CBA stretch with 2-1 record with win over Zhejiang
cgtn.com
