On January 6th, the CBA regular season continued with Shanghai defeating Tianjin to secure their 13th consecutive win, solidifying their position in the top 12 and continuing to set a new record for the longest winning streak this season.
Game Review
The game started with Shanghai taking the lead, with Lofton's efficient performance helping the team quickly gain a double-digit advantage. 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. In the second half, Lofton and Hawkins worked together to regain a 20-point lead, while Shanghai maintained their lead in the final quarter, despite Tianjin's relentless pursuit. Ultimately, Shanghai won 132-108, achieving their 13th consecutive victory.
Statistical Summary
Shanghai: Lofton 43 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals; Hawkins 24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists; Li Hongquan 18 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds; Liu Zheng 16 points, 2 rebounds; Wang Zhelin 10 points, 2 rebounds; Li Tianrong 7 points, 2 rebounds; Bledsoe 5 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds
Tianjin: Hamlet 35 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; James 28 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists; Lin Tingqian 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
Commentary
In fact, Shanghai's rise is not accidental. They have an excellent lineup depth and outstanding young talent, coupled with the financial resources to continuously enhance the strength of foreign players. However, if we were to identify the key individuals who played a crucial role, I believe the following four stand out:
1. Lofton
Lofton scored 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 bottom to the top, growing from integration to becoming a team leader and gaining popularity among fans. He ranked 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, had average dynamic and static talents, unfortunately going undrafted in the NBA draft. He briefly joined teams like the Grizzlies, 76ers, and Jazz, even averaging 13.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists with the Jazz, showcasing his versatility. However, these achievements were not enough to secure him a formal contract, leading him to accept Shanghai's offer. The Pandora's box was opened, and in the CBA, his physical talent is unparalleled. He excels in interior play, combining shooting and organizing, often recording triple-doubles, and showing no slack on defense, working diligently. He has become a model for new-era foreign players, often stepping up to break deadlocks when the team is struggling.
2. Li Tianrong
Li Tianrong, who scored 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in this game, 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 is his fourth season, where he went from averaging double-digit points in his first season to two years of silence, even scoring only 4.6 points in his second season, with people questioning his potential. However, this year he has burst into brilliance, with a three-point shooting percentage of 50.4%, ranking at the top of the league. His efficiency is phenomenal, with true shooting percentage surpassing many centers and ranking in the top five, and effective shooting percentage in the top three. His offensive efficiency is unmatched among domestic players. Defensively, Li Tianrong is also outstanding, able to replace Liu Zheng in part during his absence, constantly harassing the opponent's offensive threats. Such a young player has even prompted head coach Lu Wei to call for him to represent the national team.
3. Li Hongquan
Li Hongquan, who made 7 out of 15 shots to score 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, also made significant contributions. Over the last three games, 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% and 40.8% from three-point range. His true shooting percentage and effective shooting percentage are also among the league's best. Standing at 1.98 meters, he has an excellent physique, is actively involved in defense, moves flexibly, does not dominate the ball, and has an excellent three-point release rate. He has a strong mental attribute. This is his third season, where he went from being unknown with an average of 4.9 points in his first season to averaging 11 points and 6.4 rebounds in his second season, earning the title of Most Improved Player. This season, he has made a breakout improvement, with a chance to win another Most Improved Player award. In terms of overall strength, he is certainly worthy of an All-Star and national team spot.
4. Bledsoe
Bledsoe, 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 control effect. 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 intended to retire this season, but Shanghai's invitation changed his mind. At 35 years old, his scoring explosiveness has been hindered by injuries, so he began trying to help the team through organization. This season, he averages 4.4 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 and is willing to set up his teammates, showing maturity. With the current abundance of talent, Shanghai no longer needs the explosive scoring Bledsoe but definitely hopes to have such an offense-savvy Blood. Thanks to his arrival, Shanghai's offense has become smoother, 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 it should not be a problem to secure three wins. After that, they will face real challenges, battling Liaoning and Shanxi. If they can come out unscathed, they will achieve a terrifying 18-game winning streak, truly becoming one of the hottest contenders for the championship.