Defending Champions Start Playoffs With Nail-Biter Victory 🌟
In a game that felt straight out of a sports drama 🎬, the Liaoning Flying Leopards opened their CBA championship defense with a 123-116 overtime win against the Xinjiang Flying Tigers! 🔥 Zhao Jiwei became the night’s MVP, sinking 8 three-pointers for 33 points—proving why he’s a fan favorite. 💪
Late-Game Heroics and Heartbreak 🏆
With seconds left in regulation, Xinjiang seemed poised for victory until Dez Wells hit a clutch corner three 🎯 to force OT! Xinjiang’s Dedric Lawson (32 pts, 13 rebounds) and Abdusalam Abdurexit (24 pts) put on a show, but Liaoning’s teamwork sealed the deal. 😮💨 Zhang Zhenlin’s game-winning three in OT had the home crowd in Shenyang roaring! 🎉
Key Stats & What’s Next 📊
🔥 Zhao Jiwei: 33 pts, 8/17 from 3-point range
🏀 Xinjiang’s Montrezl Harrell ejected after 25 pts in 26 mins
⏭️ Game 2: Tuesday in Shenyang
Meanwhile in Hangzhou… 🦁
The Guangsha Lions dominated Qingdao 110-93 behind Barry Brown’s 31 pts! Sun Minghui returned from injury—will he spark a deeper playoff run? 👀
