In an exhilarating start to the playoffs, the Liaoning Flying Leopards defeated the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 123-116 in overtime at home in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The game kept fans on their toes with its rapid momentum shifts and clutch performances.
Liaoning guard Zhao Jiwei stole the spotlight by sinking eight three-pointers on an 11-for-17 shooting night, finishing with a game-high 33 points 🔥. His effort was bolstered by Dez Wells with 29 points and Cameron Oliver adding 20, ensuring the Leopards could overcome early obstacles.
The contest was a rollercoaster from the start as the Tigers grabbed an early lead. However, a decisive three-pointer by Wells tied the game at 111-111 with mere seconds left, pushing the matchup into a nerve-wracking overtime. In the extra session, small forward Zhang Zhenlin sealed the win with a crucial downtown shot.
For Xinjiang, Dedric Lawson led the charge with a 32-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Abdusalam Abdurexit and Elfuratt Mohetaner chipped in 24 and 22 points respectively. Despite a spirited effort, the Flying Tigers fell just short against the three-time defending champions.
The victory gives Liaoning a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series, with Game 2 set to take place in Shenyang on Tuesday. In other CBA action, the Guangsha Lions showcased their dominance by cruising to a 110-93 win over the Qingdao Eagles in Hangzhou, led by Barry Brown's 31-point performance.
This thrilling opener sets the stage for more high-stakes basketball action as the CBA playoffs continue to heat up. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this exciting playoff journey!
Reference(s):
Liaoning begins CBA title defense by edging past Xinjiang in overtime
cgtn.com
