The Nanjing Monkey Kings staged a thrilling comeback to defeat the Guangdong Southern Tigers 96-93 on Tuesday night in Dongguan, south China’s Guangdong Province. Overcoming a 17-point deficit, the Monkey Kings secured their first-ever spot in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Playoffs since the team’s establishment in 2007 and entry into the league in the 2014-15 season.
The Southern Tigers dominated the opening quarter with a 12-2 run, extending their lead to 29-12 after Du Runwang nailed two consecutive three-pointers. Undeterred, T.J. Leaf and Kendric Davis powered through the paint, helping Nanjing close the gap to 34-21 by the end of the first quarter.
Liu Dong and Tian Yuheng hit crucial triples early in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits. While Guangdong relied on Du’s sharp shooting and Darius Bazley’s drives to maintain their lead, Wu Tingjia’s three-pointer and Davis’s fast-break layup brought the Monkey Kings within four points, trailing 54-50 at halftime.
Nanjing’s momentum continued into the third quarter. After Bazley sank a three for Guangdong, the Monkey Kings launched a 7-0 run to tie the game at 57-57. Davis and Leaf combined for six straight points, propelling Nanjing ahead to a 66-62 lead. Consistent shooting from Tian extended their advantage to 79-69 entering the final period.
The Southern Tigers fought back in the fourth quarter as Hu Mingxuan and Du connected on multiple three-pointers, leveling the score at 86-86. In the intense final minutes, Davis showcased his offensive prowess, scoring six vital points. Guangdong’s hopes dimmed when Ren Junfei missed a potential game-tying three-pointer, handing them their 12th regular-season loss.
Elsewhere, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls defeated the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 116-103 at home, snapping the visitors’ three-game winning streak.
The 12 teams advancing to the CBA Playoffs are the Guangsha Lions, Shanxi Loongs, Xinjiang, Beijing Ducks, Shandong Kylins, Liaoning Flying Leopards, Guangdong Southern Tigers, Shanghai Sharks, Qingdao Eagles, Zhejiang Golden Bulls, Beikong Royal Fighters, and the historic newcomers, Nanjing Monkey Kings. With regular-season games remaining, the final standings are yet to be determined.
