In an electrifying showdown in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, the Shanxi Loongs powered past the Guangdong Southern Tigers with a 124-106 win in Game 3 of the CBA playoff quarterfinals, sweeping the series 3-0. This victory sets the stage for a thrilling semifinal clash against the winner of the contest between the Beijing Ducks and the Beikong Royal Fighters. 🏀
Standout performance came from Hamidou Diallo, who lit up the court with 25 points and 12 rebounds in under 25 minutes, proving to be a true game-changer. Trey Kell III added 18 points off the bench with five more players hitting double-digit scores, keeping the energy high and the momentum unstoppable.
Although Guangdong’s Trey Burk managed 15 points and eight assists after a strenuous shooting night, it wasn’t enough to counter Shanxi's surge. The Southern Tigers’ early 5-0 run was quickly erased as Shanxi responded with sharp three-pointers from Jia Mingru, Zhang Ning, and Diallo, shifting the balance early on.
The momentum truly swung in the third quarter when Shanxi unleashed a 25-13 run, thanks to solid shooting from Kell III and Ge Zhaobao, establishing a commanding lead. In the fourth quarter, Xing Zhiqiang’s crucial three-pointers further extended that advantage, leaving the 11-time CBA champions with a tough exit from the playoffs and marking one of their most challenging postseason setbacks in recent history.
As the playoffs heat up, all eyes are on the upcoming semifinals. Basketball fans across South and Southeast Asia, get ready for more high-energy moments and epic matchups in this season’s CBA! 🔥
Reference(s):
Shanxi sweep past Guangdong to reach CBA postseason semifinals
cgtn.com
