The 2026 CBA Finals have officially kicked off, and it was a total splash for the home crowd! 🏀 On Tuesday, the Shanghai Sharks powered their way to a 101-90 victory over the Guangsha Lions, securing a crucial 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
The absolute star of the night? Former NBA guard Brandon Goodwin. Goodwin put on a masterclass in all-around basketball, delivering a monster performance with 34 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists. He was practically everywhere on the court, driving the Sharks' offense and keeping the Lions on their toes throughout the game. 🔥
It wasn't an easy ride from the start. The first quarter was a real nail-biter, with both teams trading baskets in a high-energy battle. Shanghai managed to edge ahead with a slim 29-27 lead after the first 12 minutes. They kept that momentum rolling into the second quarter, gradually stretching their lead to 54-48 by halftime. 📈
The third quarter is where the Sharks really turned up the heat. Shanghai opened the period with a decisive scoring run that pushed the lead into double digits, forcing the Lions to call a timeout to stop the bleeding. While Guangsha fought back and chipped away at the deficit, Shanghai held firm, entering the final period with a 79-72 advantage.
The fourth quarter saw some intense action as Guangsha attempted a late-game comeback. However, the Lions struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the closing minutes. The Sharks controlled the tempo and sealed the 11-point win in front of their cheering home fans! 🥳
While Goodwin stole the spotlight, the Sharks had plenty of support. Li Tianrong added 16 points, Li Hongquan contributed 12 points and five rebounds, and Chinese national team forward Zhang Zhenlin played a huge role on both ends of the floor.
On the other side, Guangsha's Barry Brown led the charge with 23 points and seven assists, supported by Hu Jinqiu (18 points, 7 rebounds) and Rayjon Tucker (15 points, 6 rebounds). Despite their efforts, it wasn't enough to stop the Shanghai surge.
The action continues this Thursday, as Game 2 stays in Shanghai. Will the Sharks extend their lead, or can the Lions bounce back? Stay tuned! 🌍💬✨
Reference(s):
Brandon Goodwin powers Sharks past Lions in Game 1 of CBA Finals
cgtn.com
