The CBA 2025-26 playoffs entered a crucial phase as the defending champions, the Guangsha Lions, avoided elimination with a hard-fought victory on the road against the Shanxi Loongs, leveling the series at 1-1. Despite still being without star guard Sun Minghui due to injury, Guangsha showed resilience and composure in a hostile environment, erasing the bitter memory of losing Game 1 on a last-second three-pointer by Jiao Hailong. The series now shifts back to Guangsha’s home court for the decisive Game 3.
Guangsha came out with aggressive intent, controlling the game from the opening tip and building a lead of up to 11 points. However, Shanxi mounted a furious comeback in the final minutes, trailing by just three points with 30 seconds left. A full-court press forced a turnover from Guangsha’s Barry Brown Jr., but Shanxi’s Diallo missed both a floater and a three-pointer, allowing Guangsha to escape with an 86-81 victory and keep their title hopes alive.
The game was a defensive grind, with both teams struggling offensively. Guangsha shot just 39.1% from the field, but their national team duo of Hu Jinqiu and Zhu Junlong proved to be the difference-makers. Hu Jinqiu recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, including 6 offensive boards. His crucial putback with 1:30 left in the fourth quarter effectively sealed the win. Zhu Junlong, though scoring only 10 points, sank two clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter to stifle Shanxi’s momentum and added key defensive plays down the stretch.
Barry Brown Jr. struggled, finishing 3-of-15 from the field for 19 points and going scoreless in the fourth quarter.
After the game, head coach Wang Bo acknowledged the team’s resilience: “Although we lost the first game, I think it actually fired us up because we knew there was no turning back. Everybody’s performance tonight was excellent. We look forward to a strong showing in Game 3.” With the series now a best-of-one, the defending champions will need to carry this fighting spirit back home. Can they maintain the same intensity and belief to advance? The stage is set for a thrilling finale.
