CBA quarterfinal Game 2 saw Shanxi men’s basketball team host defending champions Guangdong Southern Tigers. After stealing a road win in Game 1, Shanxi held a series advantage, leaving Guangdong in a must-win situation. Missing star guard Sun Minghui and playing away from home, the defending champions faced an uphill battle.
The game started with intense physicality. Ge Zhaobao knocked down a three, but Zhu Junlong immediately responded with an answer. The first quarter was a slugfest with missed shots and turnovers. Sampson and Hu Jinqiu helped Guangdong stay steady, while Zhang Ning and Diallo kept Shanxi close. Guangdong led 25-21 after one.
The second quarter saw the intensity escalate. Diallo scored a tough and-one, while Brown heated up from deep, pushing Guangdong’s lead to nine. Faye blocked Sampson to stop the bleeding, and Jia Mingru and Zhao Jiaren traded threes. Nait complained to the refs and got hit with a technical foul. At halftime, Guangdong led 46-41.
The third quarter was even tighter, with neither team scoring for nearly a minute to start. Ge Zhaobao broke the drought with a floater. Sampson dominated on both ends with drives, steals, and blocks. Shanxi kept getting into foul trouble, and the home fans grew increasingly frustrated with the officiating, chanting protests throughout the arena. Despite Guangdong’s shaky free-throw shooting, they never let Shanxi complete the comeback. Shanxi entered the fourth trailing by just three points, setting up a thrilling finish.
The final quarter shifted to single-import play. Zhu Junlong hit two crucial threes, and Hu Jinqiu controlled the boards, as the two national team players anchored Guangdong’s attack. Shanxi repeatedly cut the deficit to three, but Diallo missed a key layup that could have tied the game. Guangdong held on for an 86-81 road win, evening the series at 1-1 and keeping their championship hopes alive.
The game was a battle of fouls, controversial calls, and missed opportunities. Despite being shorthanded and on the road, Guangdong’s core players—Hu Jinqiu, Brown, and Zhu Junlong—stepped up. Shanxi, though disappointed at home, kept the series alive, and the decisive Game 3 promises high drama.
