The first semifinal matchup of the CBA playoffs is now official. The Beijing Ducks secured a 2-1 series victory over the Guangdong Southern Tigers with an 88-73 win, setting up a highly anticipated showdown against the Shanghai Sharks. After Guangdong initially took the lead in the first quarter with efficient shooting and fast breaks, Beijing quickly adjusted. Coach Xu Limin switched to a dual-small-guard lineup, disrupted Guangdong’s rhythm with a zone defense, and took control of the game through a combination of drives and perimeter shooting. The upcoming Beijing-Shanghai series promises to be a championship-level duel, featuring epic battles between four elite big men, top-tier wing players, and intense defensive schemes.
This marks the seventh time Beijing and Shanghai have met in the CBA playoffs, with each side having eliminated the other three times in the previous six encounters. The best-of-five semifinal series will begin with two home games for the Shanghai Sharks, followed by two home games for Beijing. The consecutive away games present a significant challenge for the Ducks. During the regular season, Beijing and Shanghai faced off twice, with Shanghai completing a home-and-away sweep. As they meet again in the postseason, the outcome remains highly unpredictable.
In their series-clinching victory over Guangdong, Beijing relied heavily on the consistent performances of their four key players: Jemaine, Zhou Qi, Zeng Fanbo, and Chen Yingjun. Jemaine recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, excelling both offensively and as a playmaker. Zhou Qi finally displayed the dominance expected of China’s premier center, finishing with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. His rim protection in the closing moments was crucial, solidifying his role as Beijing’s go-to weapon. Chen Yingjun regained his form, contributing 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists while going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Zeng Fanbo was highly efficient, shooting 4-of-6 from the field (including 2-of-3 from three-point range) and 7-of-5 from the free-throw line, totaling 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. His sharp drives and clever passing added another dimension to Beijing’s offensive attack.
Beijing boasts a deep and talented roster, with players like Zhao Rui, McGee, and Williams yet to fully unleash their potential. Facing a stronger Shanghai squad in the semifinals, the Ducks cannot afford to rely on the same level of play that beat Guangdong. Coach Xu Limin must leverage the team’s depth, ensuring consistent contributions from the backcourt, frontcourt, and wings to truly compete with the Sharks.
