🏀 The NBA China Games landed in Macao SAR with a bang on Friday, as the Phoenix Suns edged the Brooklyn Nets 132-127 in a thrilling overtime battle. For Chinese forward Zeng Fanbo, it was extra special—he was making his home debut in pro basketball!
Before tip-off, Zeng was chosen as the Nets' player representative and delivered an energetic pre-game speech that got the team pumped. It was a proud moment for the Shenzhen-born talent to lead his squad in front of hometown fans. 🎉
The game opened with Brooklyn on fire. Cam Thomas sparked the offense, drilling 6-for-6 shots in the first quarter to help the Nets race to an 11-2 lead and finish the period up 25-8.
Zeng checked in with 3:06 left in the second quarter. He battled one-on-one with Devin Booker and even swiped a steal from Dillon Brooks after a hustle play. By halftime, Zeng had logged a steal and helped keep Brooklyn ahead by 12.
In the second half, Phoenix dialed up the offense and closed the gap, eventually forcing overtime. Zeng didn't see minutes in the extra session, but the Suns secured the win, 132-127. The two teams will meet again this Sunday in Macao SAR.
Reflecting on the night, 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." 💪
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
