In a thrilling CBA playoff battle, the Guangdong Southern Tigers clinched a nail-biting 102-98 victory over the Shanghai Sharks. Clutch performance from Hu Mingxuan, who scored 31 points and hit a decisive 3-pointer with just 12 seconds remaining, turned a late 95-95 tie into a winning advantage.
Shanghai made a strong early statement with a 5-0 run and held a slender lead, reaching 25-24 in the first quarter. However, a swift 10-1 run for Guangdong, featuring eight consecutive points from Hu, pushed the Tigers into a 44-40 lead by halftime.
After the break, Shanghai responded with an impressive 18-0 run, led by Tyler Harvey’s trio of 3-pointers, to claim a brief 69-66 advantage entering the fourth quarter. The final period saw both teams exchanging blows until Hu’s pivotal shot sealed the win. Guangdong coach Du Feng emphasized the tough nature of the match and the challenges ahead, especially with demanding away fixtures on the horizon.
Elsewhere in the playoffs, the Beijing Royal Fighters, known as Beikong, edged the Shandong Heroes 104-99 in another competitive contest. Grant Riller led the charge with a game-high 30 points, orchestrating crucial plays including a long-distance three that helped establish a lead which Shandong could not overcome.
These clashes underscore the unpredictable drama and high stakes of the CBA playoffs, captivating basketball fans worldwide with strategic plays and standout performances.
Reference(s):
CBA playoffs: Guangdong edge Shanghai, Beikong beat Shandong
cgtn.com
