In a thrilling Game 3 of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Finals on Monday night, the Guangsha Lions roared to a 114-103 victory over the Beijing Ducks, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Barry Brown led the charge for the Lions with an impressive 44-point performance, showcasing his scoring prowess throughout the game. Teammates Hu Jinqiu and Sun Minghui added significant contributions with 27 and 21 points respectively, demonstrating the Lions’ formidable offensive trio.
Despite the Ducks having six players score in double digits, including Zhou Qi’s 26 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, and Eugene German’s double-double of 16 points and 14 assists, turnovers proved costly. The Ducks committed a total of four turnovers from German and five from Chen Ying-Chun, which the Lions capitalized on, especially in the crucial fourth quarter.
The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. The Lions took an early lead with Brown’s 15 points in the first quarter, ending it ahead at 31-28. However, the Ducks mounted a strong comeback in the second quarter, launching a 15-0 run that saw them leading 62-51 at halftime.
The Lions regrouped in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 84-79 by its end, thanks to timely three-pointers from Sun, Hu, and Zhu Junlong. In the final quarter, the Lions intensified their defense, forcing seven turnovers from the Ducks. This defensive pressure fueled a 21-3 run over seven minutes, turning a 96-89 deficit into a commanding 110-99 lead. The Lions maintained their momentum to secure their second straight win in the series.
Game 4 of the CBA Finals will continue in Beijing on Wednesday, where the Lions will look to extend their lead, while the Ducks aim to level the series.
