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?
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
, 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. 
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! 
Xinjiang’s Montrezl Harrell ejected after 25 pts in 26 mins
Game 2: Tuesday in Shenyang
