Guangdong Men’s Basketball ultimately failed to secure a victory on Beijing’s home court, ending their season with a 15-point loss. The result was widely anticipated before the game, yet the team never gave up and fought until the very last moment. Beijing’s interior strength, particularly Zhou Qi’s dominance under the basket, proved unstoppable—an area Guangdong must address during the offseason.
This playoff series demonstrated Guangdong’s resilience, but it also left fans longing for more scoring options like Samner. With additional firepower, the team could have turned the tide. In the playoffs, foreign players often make the difference, and a strong performance from them can significantly boost the team.
Hu Mingxuan has thoroughly silenced his critics with his playoff performances. Whether against Guangzhou in the first round or Beijing in the second, Hu carried the team on his shoulders. Against Beijing, with limited support from domestic players, Hu showed remarkable confidence, taking shots and threatening Beijing with his three-point shooting. He became a primary target for double teams, and when the offense stalled, Hu attacked the basket to draw fouls. His playoff run was truly outstanding.
After the elimination, coach Du Feng was asked if he regretted the loss. He replied that there were no regrets, noting that Guangdong has already won 11 championships. The team faced numerous challenges this season, and Du Feng himself weathered heavy criticism, with calls for his dismissal late in the season. Despite this, the team reached the quarterfinals. The club is expected to discuss a contract extension with Du Feng during the offseason, and he is likely to remain with Guangdong.
Xu Jie had a poor performance in the decisive Game 3, picking up two early fouls that forced him to the bench. After returning, he struggled with turnovers, prompting some fans to again question his ability in clutch moments. He finished with 0 points and 4 rebounds, and was benched in the final quarter. However, Xu has decided to use the upcoming break to train in the United States, focusing on improvement without taking time off. With his contract year approaching, he aims to earn a lucrative deal.
Cui Yongxi saw limited action in the series and was benched for Game 3, finishing with 0 points and 2 rebounds. Many questioned why he wasn’t given more minutes, especially as Beijing’s Zeng Fanbo, returning from injury, played well. Cui’s role was reduced to cheering from the sidelines. The offseason is critical for him, and he hopes to adjust his form and come back stronger next season.
Guangdong has significant work to do in the offseason, particularly in the frontcourt. Fans look to Zhu Fangyu for active roster moves, and there is optimism that the team will return with more surprises next season.