The Shanghai Sharks have claimed their first-ever CBA Club Cup title following a thrilling 89-80 victory over the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in Xi'an. The tournament, introduced this season as a standalone competition during league breaks, showcased intense gameplay despite not affecting regular season standings.
Former NBA star Eric Bledsoe delivered a masterclass, scoring 31 points including a 15-point third-quarter explosion that shifted momentum. \"Both teams played incredibly hard,\" said the MVP post-game, highlighting coach trust and team synergy during crucial moments.
The final saw dramatic momentum swings, with Shanghai overcoming an early 13-16 deficit through key contributions from Bledsoe and Kenneth Lofton. Xinjiang's Abudushalamu Abudurexiti mounted a fierce challenge, but clutch free throws sealed Shanghai's nine-point triumph.
This win cements the Sharks' growing reputation in Chinese basketball, while raising anticipation for future club cup tournaments as the CBA expands its competition formats.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
