Beijing Rivalry Heats Up as Beikong Advances in CBA Playoffs

The Beikong Royal Fighters are moving on to the CBA quarterfinals after a thrilling 93-84 victory over the Shandong Kylins in Game Two! Led by Grant Riller’s game-high 24 points and eight assists, Beikong sealed a 2-0 series sweep at home in Beijing. Now, they’re set to face their city rivals, the Beijing Ducks, in an epic best-of-five showdown.

Riller, Liao Sanning, and Shen Zijie dominated the paint, sinking 12 of 13 free throws, while Jared Sullinger grabbed a monster double-double (11 points, 14 rebounds). Though Beikong’s three-point shooting was shaky (7/21), sharpshooter Zhang Fan saved the day with 16 points, including four clutch triples.

The Kylins fought back hard in the fourth quarter, trimming Beikong’s 19-point lead to just five with 50 seconds left! But Shen Zijie’s steal and Riller’s icy free throws slammed the door shut. “We know [the Ducks] are a good team,” Riller told CGTN after the game. “We just gotta come out, play tough, and execute.”

Shandong’s loss extends their playoff losing streak to eight games. Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the Beijing rivalry series set to tip off soon. Who’s ready for some -worthy hoops drama?

Reference(s):

Beikong knocks out Shandong, advances to quarterfinals in CBA Playoffs

cgtn.com