The Jiangsu Dragons finally got their groove back! 🙌 On Tuesday night in Nanjing, they soared to a 99-93 victory against the Tianjin Pioneers, snapping their six-game losing streak in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
From the get-go, the Dragons came out breathing fire 🔥. James Thompson dominated the paint, helping his team jump to a 21-10 lead midway through the first quarter. But the Pioneers weren't backing down! Lin Ting-Chien was on 🔥, knocking down four three-pointers in the first quarter alone, sparking a 17-5 run that gave Tianjin the lead. Not to be outdone, Thompson and Li Chengyao teamed up in the final minute, scoring seven points to reclaim the lead at 30-27.
The battle was intense and neck-and-neck in the second quarter. Thompson and Franklin Jackson kept the Dragons' offense alive, while Lin, Zheng Haoran, and Marcus LoVett Jr. were scoring machines for the Pioneers. By halftime, the Dragons clung to a slim 52-51 lead. 😬
In the third quarter, the Pioneers' offense hit a rough patch. After Lin tied the game at 66-66 with a smooth jumper, Tianjin could only manage one more field goal—a layup by Zheng. The Dragons capitalized, going on an 11-2 run and entering the final quarter with a 77-68 advantage.
The fourth quarter saw the Dragons expanding their lead to as much as 14 points. 🐉 Despite a late surge from Zheng and Lin, who nailed three consecutive triples in the final 30 seconds, the Pioneers couldn't overturn the deficit, marking their 24th loss of the season.
Elsewhere in the league, the Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin defeated the Ningbo Rockets 112-102 in Jinan, handing the Rockets their 10th consecutive loss. 🚀 Despite a valiant effort from Ningbo's Ronald March, who dropped a season-high 60 points, the Rockets couldn't catch up. Shandong's win propelled them to No. 2 in the league standings, just behind the Guangsha Lions.
What a night for CBA action! Keep an eye out for more thrilling games as the season heats up. 🔥
Reference(s):
Jiangsu Dragons beat Tianjin Pioneers to end six-game losing streak
cgtn.com
