Shanxi's Comeback Victory Over Xinjiang Raises Suspicions of Match-Fixing, Fans Are Angry and Consequences Are Serious, Investigation Recommended
By Jiang Shihua
On the evening of January 5th, Beijing time, a focus match in the CBA league concluded. In the game between Shanxi and Xinjiang at Shanxi's home court, Xinjiang once led by as many as 25 points, but in the fourth quarter, they suddenly seemed to forget how to play basketball, being outscored 11-41 in that quarter, including a 16-0 run, ultimately losing to Shanxi 115-110. However, fans are not easily fooled, and they have raised suspicions of match-fixing in the comment section, suggesting that relevant departments should investigate.
The main statistics for both teams in this game are as follows: Shanxi's Diyallo scored 22 points with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals; Goodwin had 20 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals; Zhang Ning contributed 19 points and 6 rebounds; Giles added 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks; Liu Chuanxing chipped in with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 5 blocks. On Xinjiang's side, Yilifu Lati scored 20 points with 9 rebounds; Lawson had 18 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals; Xierzati contributed 16 points and 4 rebounds; Peterson added 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists; Yang Rui scored 13 points; and Higins contributed 11 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals.
Objectively speaking, both teams have the potential to challenge for the championship this season, so it's not surprising who wins or loses in this game. What is surprising is the process of the game. Shanxi was dominated in the first three quarters, but in the last quarter, they made Xinjiang lose their way. Normally, such a dramatic and suspenseful game should be cheered by the fans, but that was not the case. After the game, comments from fans on a certain platform showed anger, with serious consequences. Some fans directly stated, "This is not just a super comeback; it's like you guys didn't even change the script for two games? Isn't this the same as the first game? Did you arrange for one team to win a game? This is a historical level of match-fixing, it's unbelievably fake." Another fan said, "I don't believe this isn't match-fixing," and another suggested, "If such a game is not investigated, I think Chinese men's basketball is finished." In summary, many people in the comment section suspect that the motivation behind this game is not pure.
Although the comments from the fans do indeed contain some emotions and biases, there are some details in the game that are difficult to understand: for example, why Liu Wei did not call a timeout when they were hit with a 16-0 run, and why Xinjiang's Peterson was benched during crucial moments. Of course, Liu Wei has shown improvement; he did not swear at the opposing players in this game. Oh my, oh my. It is recommended that relevant departments investigate, either to clear the fans' doubts or to clear the names of these two teams. No matter what, Xinjiang must not withdraw from the competition, okay?