The Guangsha Lions soared to a dominant 106-73 victory over the Beijing Ducks on Wednesday, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Finals. Playing in Beijing, the Lions showcased their might on both ends of the court, edging closer to their first-ever league title.
Guangsha’s balanced attack saw six players scoring in double figures, with dynamic duo Barry Brown and Lin Ping-Sheng leading the way with 22 points each. The team’s relentless defense stifled the Ducks, who struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game.
Beijing managed only three players in double digits, with Chen Ying-Chun topping the team with 13 points despite hitting just four of his 13 shots. The Ducks’ shooting woes were evident as they missed 43 of their 67 field goal attempts, including a dismal 4-of-28 from beyond the arc. Turnovers compounded their troubles, as they gave the ball away 17 times.
The Lions set the tone early with aggressive defense, holding the Ducks scoreless for six minutes in the first quarter. Capitalizing on Beijing’s slump, Guangsha unleashed a 13-0 run, closing the quarter ahead 25-14.
In the second quarter, Brown continued his offensive onslaught, sparking a 9-2 surge that extended the Lions’ lead. Despite a brief rally from the Ducks after Guangsha’s Josh Carlton exited with foul trouble, a clutch three-pointer from Hu Jinqiu restored the visitors’ dominance, sending them into halftime up 53-35.
The second half saw the Ducks’ struggles persist, as careless ball handling led to easy fast-break points for the Lions. By the end of the third quarter, Guangsha had widened the gap to 82-52, effectively sealing the outcome.
Now, the Lions return to Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, with the opportunity to clinch the championship on their home court. A win in Game 5 on Saturday would mark a historic first league title for the franchise, capping off a remarkable playoff run.
