On Thursday night in Beijing, the Ducks shocked the record 11-time CBA champions, the Guangdong Southern Tigers, crushing them 105-74 🏀. The victory snapped Guangdong's impressive eight-game winning streak and fired up Duck fans across the capital.
Star forward Zeng Fanbo made a triumphant return after nearly 250 days sidelined by injury. In his 2025-26 debut, the 22-year-old sharp-shooter drilled seven of nine shots, including four triples, and poured in 18 points off the bench. Talk about a comeback! 💥
International duo Eugene German (22 points) and Omari Spellman (21) fueled the Ducks' fast-paced attack, helping Beijing jump ahead 28-14 late in the first quarter. Their pressure defense limited the Southern Tigers to under 20 points in three quarters—a total team lockdown.
Guangdong struggled to find rhythm. Only Jared Sullinger and Edmond Sumner hit double digits, but Sullinger shot just 4-of-12 for 11 points, while Sumner tallied a game-high 35 points but turned it over seven times. Too many turnovers piled on the pressure.
Meanwhile, defending champions the Guangsha Lions roared past the Tianjin Pioneers 102-68 on the road to climb into first place. Rayjon Tucker shined with 17 points and eight assists, and Josh Carlton added strong free-throw prowess in a dominant night for the Lions.
The CBA standings are heating up: Guangsha leads on tiebreakers ahead of Beijing and Guangdong, all at 8-1 after nine games. Other Thursday scores:
- Jiangsu Dragons 79-84 Ningbo Rockets
- Sichuan Blue Whales 88-104 Fujian Sturgeons
- Zhejiang Golden Bulls 78-73 Qingdao Eagles
With the midpoint of the season fast approaching, every game feels like a finale. Stay tuned for more CBA excitement! 🎉
Reference(s):
Beijing Ducks end Guangdong Southern Tigers' eight-game winning streak
cgtn.com
