The Guangsha Lions captured their first-ever Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) championship on Tuesday night, defeating the Beijing Ducks 125-118 in an electrifying Game 6 in Beijing. The victory sealed the series 4-2, marking a historic moment for the franchise.
Barry Brown led the Lions with a stellar performance, pouring in 41 points, nine assists, and three steals. His dynamic play earned him the Finals Most Valuable Player award. Hu Jinqiu contributed 17 points, hitting seven of his 11 shots, while Sun Minghui recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.
The game was intense from the outset. The Lions faced an early setback when Hu Jinqiu left the court with discomfort in the first quarter, allowing the Ducks to outscore them 36-29. However, Guangsha roared back in the second quarter with a 10-0 run sparked by Sun Minghui and James Nunnally. Brown took over, setting up easy baskets and scoring eight consecutive points to help the Lions outscore the Ducks 40-21 in the quarter, leading 69-57 at halftime.
The third quarter saw a three-point shootout, with both teams combining for a perfect 8-for-8 from beyond the arc in the first six minutes. The Ducks chipped away at the lead, closing the gap to 99-95 by the end of the quarter.
In the final quarter, Beijing continued their momentum. Eugene German and Zhou Qi were dominant, with Zhou tying the game at 103-103 after an offensive rebound and putback. The Ducks briefly took the lead, but the Lions responded with clutch three-pointers. Zhu Junlong emerged as the hero, sinking a pivotal three-pointer and securing the win with two free throws, sealing the victory for Guangsha.
“This is a dream come true,” said Brown after the game. “We played with heart and determination, and bringing home the championship is an incredible feeling.”
The triumph marks a significant milestone for the Lions and adds a thrilling chapter to the CBA’s history.
