The policy of allowing only one foreign player per team in the fourth quarter highlights the importance of a team's overall strength during this period. Teams with high domestic player scoring percentages, strong foreign players capable of breaking through tough defenses, and resilient defense are likely to perform well in the fourth quarter.
Here are the top 5 teams with the strongest fourth quarter lineups in the CBA this season:
5th place: Tongxi Men's Basketball Team
Tongxi has a high scoring percentage from domestic players, with two local players in the top three scorers: Lin Wei averaging 20.9 points and Guo Haowen averaging 17 points. Their combination of Lin Wei, Guo Haowen, Zhu Mingzhen, Liu Dong, and Lifv in the fourth quarter can score from multiple angles, but their poor defense and rim protection prevent them from achieving even greater success.
4th place: Shanghai Men's Basketball Team
Shanghai's foreign players, Bradsoe and Lofton, show potential for strong offensive capabilities, which needs to be tested in tough matches. They could maintain the team's offensive aggression by alternating in the fourth quarter. Domestic players Li Tianrong and Li Hongquan are good shooters who can handle some of the ball possession, but their independent offensive abilities are average. Shanghai's rim protection is weak, despite having Wang Zhelin, who averages 2 turnovers and 3.5 fouls per game, which is a disadvantage.
3rd place: Beijing Men's Basketball Team
Beijing's small foreign player, Jemian, is not bad, with key moment statistics ranking 7th in the league. However, the lack of suitable substitutes within the team is a drawback. On the domestic front, Beijing has an advantage with strong players like Chen Yingjun and Zhou Qi, who have the ability to break through tough defenses, scorer Zeng Fanbo, and defensive specialist Lei Meng.
2nd place: Guangsha Men's Basketball Team
Guangsha boasts a trio of domestic players: Sun Minghui, Hu Jinqiu, and Zhu Junlong. The first two are stable scorers, while the latter excels in defense and rebounding. Foreign player Brown has the second-highest key moment statistics in the league and possesses strong offensive capabilities. New foreign player Boban, at 2.24 meters tall, has excellent rim protection skills. If there is any weakness, it might be head coach Wang Bo.
1st place: Shanxi Men's Basketball Team
Shanxi's foreign players, Goodwin and Diawara, are extremely capable and can change the course of the game. Domestically, Liu Chuanxing can protect the rim, and Zhang Ning has the highest key moment statistics in the league, making them both strong points. Shanxi has won several games this season by overtaking opponents in the fourth quarter with only one foreign player, demonstrating the quality of their fourth quarter lineup.
Why are Liaoning and Xinjiang not included? Liaoning, known for their strong fourth quarter play, has lost their signature elements such as relentless defense, Allen's fast breaks, unstoppable three-pointers, Brother Two's forward rebounding sense, and Han Dejun's positioning under the basket. Xinjiang faces similar issues, lacking standout players.
Do you agree with the author's views and rankings, fellow basketball fans?
