On January 6th, the CBA regular season continued, and in the recently concluded match, Shanghai defeated Tianjin to achieve a remarkable 13 consecutive victories, solidifying their position among the top 12 teams while also continuing to set the record for the strongest winning streak this season.
Game Review:
The game began with Shanghai taking the initiative, with Lofton's efficient performance quickly securing a double-digit lead for the team. Hamlet stepped up, scoring both inside and outside to lead the chase, as Tianjin gradually closed the gap. At halftime, Shanghai led Tianjin 75-67. After the break, Lofton and Hawkins worked together to regain a 20-point advantage, and in the final quarter, Shanghai maintained their lead steadily, with Tianjin unable to catch up. Ultimately, Shanghai triumphed over Tianjin with a score of 132-108, achieving an impressive 13 consecutive wins.
Statistical Data:
Shanghai: Lofton with 43 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals; Hawkins with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists; Li Hongquan with 18 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds; Liu Zheng with 16 points and 2 rebounds; Wang Zhelin with 10 points and 2 rebounds; Li Tianrong with 7 points and 2 rebounds; and Bradley with 5 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds.
Tianjin: Hamlet with 35 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists; James with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists; and Lin Tingqian with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Comments:
In fact, Shanghai's rise is not accidental. They possess an excellent lineup depth and outstanding young talent, along with substantial financial resources that allow them to continuously enhance their foreign player strength. However, if we were to identify the individuals who played the most critical roles, I believe the following four players stand out:
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Lofton:
Lofton scored an impressive 43 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals today, dominating the court. As a foreign player who joined the team at the end of the first stage, he has witnessed the team's journey from the trough to the peak. He has grown from integration to becoming a team leader, beloved by fans, ranking high in the All-Star fan voting during the first stage. Initially recognized for his performance in the American youth team against Wenyamamba, Lofton, standing at 1.98 meters, possesses average dynamic and static talents. He went undrafted in the NBA draft but had brief stints with teams like the Grizzlies, 76ers, and Jazz, where he averaged 13.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, showcasing his versatility. However, these achievements were not enough to secure him a formal contract, leading him to accept Shanghai's offer, opening Pandora's box. In the CBA, his physical talent is unparalleled, allowing him to overpower opponents in the paint while also possessing shooting and organizing abilities, often recording triple-doubles. On the defensive end, he does not exhibit the same complacency as other foreign players, working diligently and becoming a model for modern foreign players. When the team faces difficulties, it is often Lofton who steps up to break the deadlock.
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Li Tianrong:
In this game, Li Tianrong, who scored 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist by going 3 for 6, willingly plays a supporting role, focusing primarily on defense. He is a standard American-style guard with strong personal offensive capabilities, precise three-point shooting, and the ability to play with or without the ball. This season, he averages 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, which is his fourth season. After an impressive first season averaging double-digit points, he experienced a two-year slump, even scoring only 4.6 points in the second season, leading to concerns about his potential. However, this year, he has burst forth with brilliance, boasting a league-leading three-point shooting percentage of 50.4%, high efficiency, and a true shooting percentage that surpasses many centers, ranking in the top five. His effective shooting percentage is also among the top three, demonstrating exceptional offensive efficiency that is unmatched among domestic players. Defensively, Li Tianrong is equally outstanding, able to fill in for Liu Zheng's defensive role during his absence, tenaciously guarding against the opponent's key offensive players. Such a young player has even prompted head coach Lu Wei to call for his participation in national competitions. -
Li Hongquan:
In this game, Li Hongquan went 7 for 15, scoring 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. As the other member of the "Fireworks Brothers," Li Hongquan's contributions cannot be overlooked. In the last three games alone, he has made 16 three-pointers. This season, he averages 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.4 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 47.6% plus 40.8%. His true shooting percentage and effective shooting percentage are also among the league's top rankings. Standing at 1.98 meters, he possesses an excellent physique, is actively involved in defense, moves flexibly, does not monopolize the ball, and has an outstanding three-point shooting rate. He exhibits a strong mental fortitude. This is his third season, having gone from an average of 4.9 points in his first season to being relatively unknown, then averaging 11 points and 6.4 rebounds in his second season, earning the title of Most Improved Player. This season, he has shown explosive improvement, with a chance to win another Most Improved Player award. In terms of overall strength, he is certainly deserving of an All-Star and national team nomination. -
Bradley:
Bradley, also known as "Blood," is an old friend of Shanghai. In this game, he played only 16 minutes but casually scored 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, with a clear role in passing and controlling. As a former NBA star player, he came to the CBA after suffering a major injury and has served Shanghai for two consecutive seasons. It was reported that he originally planned to retire this season, but Shanghai's invitation changed his mind. At 35 years old, injuries have diminished his scoring explosiveness, leading him to try assisting the team through organization. This season, he averages 14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.5 steals, playing well with Wang Zhelin in pick-and-roll situations. He is not greedy for personal glory, willing to set up his teammates, showing maturity. With the abundance of talent in Shanghai, they no longer need the Bradley with astonishing scoring power but would certainly welcome one who excels in organizing the offense. It is precisely because of his arrival that Shanghai's offense has become more fluid, giving players more opportunities for easy shots, resulting in an explosive overall scoring efficiency. The continuous breakthroughs of the "Two Lis" also owe some credit to him.
Conclusion:
Of course, Shanghai's success also owes gratitude to interim head coach Lu Wei, a capable coach! Looking at the schedule, they will face Beikong, Guangzhou, and Jiangsu next, and securing three victories should not be a problem. Only then will they face the real test, facing Liaoning and Shanxi consecutively. If they can emerge unscathed, they will achieve a terrifying 18 consecutive wins, truly becoming one of the top contenders for the championship.