The reigning CBA champions roared into the 2025-26 season Friday night as Zhejiang Guangsha Lions defeated Shanxi Loongs 88-74 in a thrilling opener! 🏆 Fresh off their championship ring ceremony, the Lions showed why they're still the team to beat this season.
Ring Night Energy ⚡
Emotions ran high as Guangsha raised their first-ever championship banner in Hangzhou. Former NBA guard Rayjon Tucker (16 pts) and re-signed star Barry Brown Jr. (16 pts) led the charge, while national team heroes Hu Jinqiu and Zhu Junlong added crucial buckets.
New Blood, Same Dominance 💪
Shanxi's new signing Jaylen Nowell (15 pts) and star Hamidou Diallo (17 pts) kept it close through three quarters. But Guangsha's championship pedigree shone through with a dominant fourth-quarter lockdown 🔒
"The new competition format prepares us for international play," Zhu Junlong told reporters post-game. "We're coming for back-to-back titles!"
Next up: A heavyweight clash against Liaoning Flying Leopards on December 15. Mark your calendars 📅 The CBA regular season runs through April 24, 2026.
Reference(s):
Defending champions Guangsha roll past Shanxi in CBA season opener
cgtn.com
