In an electrifying CBA showdown, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls stunned the Shanghai Sharks with a 99-97 victory in east China's Shanghai Municipality, snapping the Sharks' impressive 14-game home winning streak! 🏀
The game started with both teams locked at 10-10 in the first quarter, but the Golden Bulls soon turned up the heat with a 9-2 run to grab a seven-point lead. The Sharks quickly countered, fueled by Kenneth Lofton Jr.'s dominant display—scoring 14 points, pulling down six rebounds, and dishing out three assists in the opening minutes—to level the pace as the quarter ended 30-25.
Gabe York and Liu Zeyi kept the Bulls in control during the second quarter by combining for 26 points, even as both sides struggled to hit shots from downtown. With Shanghai cutting the deficit to just three points at halftime, the stakes were high for the remainder of the game.
The third quarter saw Zhejiang heat up from beyond the arc as Cheng Shuaipeng, Wu Qian, and York sank crucial three-pointers, widening the gap to 15 points in less than four minutes. Although the Sharks rallied—Lofton Jr. finishing the period with 40 points, including 30 in that quarter—the Golden Bulls benefited from balanced scoring with five players reaching double figures. A key moment came when Wu Qian was ejected after his second technical foul, adding to Shanghai's challenges.
The nail-biting final quarter delivered non-stop action. A 10-2 run by the Sharks tied the score at 85-85, but Cheng's timely layup with just 33 seconds left pushed Zhejiang ahead 97-95. Despite desperate efforts, including slim free throw margins and a missed buzzer-beater by Donovan Williams, the Sharks were unable to regain control, suffering a tough loss in the race for better postseason positioning.
Adding to the excitement, other games that night included wins by Beijing Ducks (110-101 over Qingdao Eagles), Fujian Sturgeons (116-111 over Ningbo Rockets), Guangdong Southern Tigers (101-73 over Sichuan Blue Whales), Guangzhou Loong Lions (96-87 over Tianjin Pioneers), and Xinjiang Flying Tigers (118-102 over Shenzhen Leopards).
This game, filled with high energy and unexpected twists, proved that CBA basketball is as thrilling as your favorite Netflix series! 🎬🔥
Reference(s):
Zhejiang Golden Bulls end Shanghai Sharks' 14-game home winning streak
cgtn.com
