Shenzhen Secures Best-Ever Finish 🏀
In a thrilling season finale last Friday, the Shenzhen Leopards roared past the Guangzhou Loong Lions with a 99-86 victory. This win wasn't just another check in the win column—it cemented their place as the third seed heading into the upcoming CBA Playoffs, the highest regular-season finish in the franchise's history. 🎉
Game Night Heroes 💪
Shenzhen's foreign player, Terquavion Smith, put on a masterclass, dropping a triple-double with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists. Homegrown star and MVP candidate He Xining was on fire from downtown, sinking seven three-pointers on his way to a team-high 29 points.
For Guangzhou, Lindell Wigginton fought valiantly, leading all scorers with 32 points and 7 assists. Despite a strong third-quarter push, the Loong Lions couldn't overcome Shenzhen's early dominance.
Playoff Picture is Set 🗺️
The win means the Leopards get a coveted bye straight into the quarterfinals. They'll patiently await the winner of the first-round series between the Zhejiang Golden Bulls and the CBA's exciting new postseason team, the Ningbo Rockets.
Despite the loss, Guangzhou still sneaked into the playoffs as the 12th seed. Their reward? A tough first-round battle against the fifth-seeded Guangdong Southern Tigers.
Here's a quick look at the other key matchups for the basketball fans out there:
- Shandong vs. Liaoning: Winner faces the top-seeded Shanghai Sharks.
- Guangsha Lions: The defending champs await the winner of Qingdao vs. Shanxi.
It's setting up to be one of the most exciting postseasons in recent CBA memory! Who are you backing? 🤔
Reference(s):
Shenzhen beats Guangzhou to clinch third seed in upcoming CBA Playoffs
cgtn.com
