Surprises and clutch shots highlighted the second day of the 2022-2023 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season, as the Xinjiang Flying Tigers stunned title contender Shanghai Sharks 118-100 and the Nanjing Monkey Kings edged the Tianjin Pioneers 90-88 on Tuesday.

Shanghai captain Wang Zhelin swept seven points, while Zhu Xuhang kept Xinjiang rolling at an early stage, with the new recruit from the Zhejiang Golden Bulls registering 11 points in the first quarter. Standing 2.28 meters tall, Xinjiang substitute center Tacko Fall followed with several baskets in a row, and Xinjiang rode on a 14-3 to cap the opening period 35-18.

Shanghai snatched the momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Xinjiang 34-24 to trim the deficit to seven points at halftime, with former MVP Ding Yanyuhang leading the charge by attacking the basket on consecutive occasions.

Shanghai continued to make comeback efforts after the interval, and the gap was as close as one point. With Lutpulla's consecutive field goals, Xinjiang answered with a 6-0 scoring run afterwards to steady themselves, and thwarted opponents' fourth-quarter rally through solid defense.

Six Xinjiang players hit doubles figures in scoring, with Zhu, Lutpulla and Pierre Jackson all putting 21 points on the scoreboard.

On the Shanghai side, Wang contributed 19 points and 14 rebounds, climbing to 17th among CBA's all-time leading scorers.

Brilliant teamwork of three young guns gifted an opening victory for Nanjing, who had finished bottom in the table last season.

With the game tied at 88-88 eight seconds to time, Wang Lanqin, overall No. 1 pick in the 2022 Draft, had a big steal and sophomore Wu Tingjia drove to the basket before passing the ball to Lin Wei, who made a buzzer-beating bank shot in his first CBA game.

Lin had 22 points and eight rebounds off the bench, with three other Nanjing players scoring in double figures.

Lin attributed the victory to teamwork. "We never gave up when we were behind in the game, focusing on defense and rebounds. We always encouraged each other to fight. Everyone did quite well today," said the 18-year-old shooting guard.

"We prepared for this game for a long time, right after the competition schedule was announced. Thanks to my bros for grinding it out when we trailed in the fourth quarter. This is what we want to show in the new season: never give up and fight together," commented Xiralijan Muhtar, who had eight points, eight rebounds and five assists in his first appearance as a player-coach of Nanjing.

Playing in his second pro season, Li Yiyang hit a 3-pointer with 15.9 seconds remaining, helping Fujian Sturgeons squeeze past Beijing Ducks 81-80. Li posted 13 points and eight assists for Fujian, who also got 22 points and 14 rebounds from Thon Maker.

Despite a six-player rotation, Jilin Northeast Tigers got the better of Jiangsu Dragons 100-85. Jiang Weize, Jiang Yuxing and Dominique Jones combined for 70 points for Jilin, while Jiangsu shooting guard Antonio Blakeney scored a game-high 31 points.

The game between Guangdong Southern Tigers and Beijing Royal Fighters didn't take place on Tuesday as scheduled, as Guangdong could not make it to the competition site due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to related regulations, Guangdong was ruled to lose the game 20-0 due to its absence. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)