Talk about a comeback story for the ages! 😱 The Shanghai Sharks have officially charged their way into the CBA Finals, defeating the Beijing Ducks 99-85 to clinch the semifinal series 3-1. This isn't just a win; it's a historic milestone, as the Sharks haven't seen the championship series since they took home the title way back in 2002.
It didn't start as a walk in the park, though. The Beijing Ducks came out swinging, with JaVale McGee bringing the thunder with emphatic dunks that helped Beijing build an early lead. Eugene German was on fire, scoring a game-high 23 points and pushing the Ducks to a commanding 51-35 lead by halftime. At that point, it looked like Shanghai might be heading home. 📉
But wait—the Sharks had other plans! 🦈 After the break, Shanghai flipped the switch. Liu Zheng hit a clutch corner three to close the gap, and Kenneth Lofton Jr. ignited the crowd with a three-pointer that tied the game midway through the third quarter.
Then came the absolute madness: a massive 39-11 run by Shanghai that completely demolished Beijing's momentum. Brandon Goodwin played his part, while Lofton sealed the deal with a team-high 20 points, leading the Sharks to a dominant victory. ⚡️
Now, the energy in Shanghai is electric as the team prepares for the best-of-seven CBA Finals starting on May 29. They'll be facing either the Shenzhen Leopards or the defending champion Guangsha Lions. Can the Sharks bring the trophy back to their city after more than two decades? We can't wait to find out! 🏆🏀
Reference(s):
Shanghai Sharks charge into CBA Finals by overcoming Beijing Ducks
cgtn.com
