The NBA China Games landed in Macao SAR with a bang as the Phoenix Suns edged the Brooklyn Nets 132-127 in an overtime thriller on Friday night. For 22-year-old Chinese forward Zeng Fanbo, it was more than just another preseason matchup—it was a homecoming under bright lights.
Before tip-off, Zeng was named the Nets’ player representative and delivered an inspiring pre-game address, setting the tone for a young squad eager to make its mark overseas. Brooklyn sprinted to an early 11-2 lead, fueled by Cam Thomas’s perfect 6-for-6 shooting and 14 first-quarter points. By quarter’s end, the Nets owned a 25-8 advantage, looking in control.
Zeng checked in with 3:06 left in the second quarter, instantly showcasing his defensive instincts. After a closeout foul on Devin Booker, he redeemed himself with a slick strip of Dillon Brooks, recording his first NBA steal on Chinese soil. Zeng closed the half with one steal and two fouls, helping Brooklyn into the locker room up 12 points.
The Suns turned up their offensive intensity after the break, chipping away at the lead and forcing overtime. Though Zeng didn’t log minutes in the extra period, his impact was felt in the energy he sparked early and the connection he forged with local fans.
Reflecting on his return, Zeng said, “I’m definitely happy with how things went. Getting to experience this level of competition right here at home feels like a real blessing. My last official game was a few months back, so there has been quite a gap. I missed a lot over the summer, and this was my first real action after just twenty days of training. But the intensity was right where it needed to be. Personally, I feel I have taken steps forward.”
The two teams reconvene on Sunday for a second showdown in Macao SAR, where Zeng and the Nets will chase redemption and more homegrown magic.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
