After a staggering 2,189-day wait, Chinese basketball fans finally have a new hero to cheer for! 🇨🇳🏀 On Sunday night, Cui Yongxi stepped onto the NBA court for the Brooklyn Nets' home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, marking his official debut in the world's premier basketball league.
This moment is a slam dunk for fans who've been waiting six long years to see a Chinese player in the NBA. With his debut, Cui becomes the seventh Chinese player to compete in an NBA game, following in the legendary footsteps of Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer, Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Sun Yue, and Zhou Qi.
Cui's big moment came with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter. He wasted no time making an impact—drawing a foul on a fast break and heading to the free-throw line. Though his first shot rimmed out, he sank the second, scoring his first NBA point! 🎯👏 The last Chinese player to score in the NBA was Zhou Qi with the Houston Rockets, making Cui's point a momentous occasion.
This debut isn't just a personal milestone for Cui; it's a significant moment for basketball fans across Asia and the world. It's proof that with hard work and determination, dreams really do come true! 🌟 So, keep an eye on Cui Yongxi—we're sure this is just the beginning of an exciting journey!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com