In the CBA regular season, Guangdong defeated Beikong 99-98 at home. In a tightly contested first quarter, Guangdong started to dominate in the second quarter and maintained a significant advantage in the second half, allowing them to keep the lead throughout the game. Even when Beikong closed the gap in the final moments, Guangdong managed to stabilize the score difference, with Xu Xin securing the buzzer-beater for a thrilling victory.
Five players had outstanding performances. Xu Jie had a few too many turnovers, but he finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. He was able to deliver when it mattered most, playing all 48 minutes and single-handedly controlling the situation. Wat was also crucial in the clutch moments, as he could provide strong solutions. He scored 23 points on 7-of-17 shooting, making him an indispensable player for the team.
Morand provided excellent protection under the basket with 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks. As long as his emotions remained stable, he could maintain his destructive power. Xu Xin was another focal point, not playing much in the first half but stabilizing the paint in the second. Not only did he score 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting, but he also grabbed key rebounds in critical moments and made a buzzer-beater, helping the team maintain their lead. Bazley's determination on the offensive end was commendable, scoring 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, with solid rebounding and defense. These three players in the frontcourt were able to sustain their impact.
Zhang Wenyi and Ren Junfei both had passable performances. Although Zhang Wenyi's defense was lacking, he scored 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting, with the highest plus-minus value on the team. Ren Junfei remained a key player, even though his scoring wasn't high. His playmaking, defense, and rebounding were crucial, allowing him to stabilize the frontline.
Huang Rongqi and Du Runwang both struggled. Huang Rongqi had a terrible two games, going 0-for-6 from the field with poor defense. He was supposed to be a primary rotation player in the backcourt, but unfortunately, his contributions were minimal. He also committed a senseless foul in the final moments. Du Runwang's defense was easily bypassed, and he lacked offensive threat, resulting in the worst plus-minus values on the team. They must seriously reflect on their performance after the game.