Shenzhen quickly adjusted from a slow start and two foreign players stepped up to stabilize the rhythm. Johnson scored 11 points with inside and outside shots, while Wang Haoran seized the opportunity for three-pointers, improving the situation with multiple scoring points. Zhejiang was affected by fouls, with a decrease in defensive intensity on the perimeter. Fortunately, their offense remained stable with smooth cooperation, taking the lead at the end of the first quarter with a score of 32-30.
In the second quarter, Zhejiang maintained good offensive continuity, with York scoring 12 points in the quarter. The only area needing improvement was controlling turnovers. Shenzhen had many opportunities but needed to improve their execution, especially He Xining, who was cold with his shooting, scoring only four points out of 11 attempts. However, other teammates performed well, preventing the score from being widened too much, ending the half trailing by seven points at 53-60.
In the third quarter, Shenzhen's perimeter showed no signs of improvement, and their interior was further restricted, causing the team to gradually lose momentum and their scoring efficiency to drop. Despite Zhejiang's lack of organization during this period, they were once chased down to within one possession. However, York's superb individual ability turned the tide, with consecutive outside shots sparking a mini-scoring spree that instantly widened the gap to double digits, leading 84-70 after three quarters.
In the final quarter, Zhejiang immediately called a timeout after losing six points. York stood out again to quell the opponent's momentum. Shenzhen showed great resilience, with He Xining and Thompson finishing under the basket to keep the game suspenseful. In the closing stages, Yu Jiahao and Liu Zeyi drew fouls and went to the free-throw line. With two minutes remaining, Simmons' layup extended the lead back to double digits, virtually securing the victory. The game ended with Zhejiang defeating Shenzhen 111-101. York shot 14 out of 24 for an impressive 37 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, repeatedly stepping up to help the team through difficulties, making him the absolute hero of the win.
Other results from the matchday include Shanghai defeating Beikong 108-96 with a ten-game winning streak; Shandong easily beating Tianjin 121-102, with Gao Shiyan contributing a triple-double; and Qingdao overcoming Qingdao 121-109, holding on under pressure in the final quarter, with Weatherspoon scoring 38 points + 10 assists and 7 rebounds, and Yang Hanshen adding 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Below are the latest CBA team standings, with Zhejiang in second place after a nine-game winning streak, the top four teams separated by only two points, and Shanghai in 12th place with a ten-game winning streak.
