Translation of the article content into English:
The 30th round of the 2025-26 CBA regular season presented a spectacular basketball feast for fans. This round not only showcased the strength and resilience of each team but also drew special attention due to its significant impact on the standings.
Beijing Shougang's match was undoubtedly one of the highlights of this round. Despite the absence of key players Zhou Qi, Chen Yingxiao, and Zeng Fanbo, the team tenaciously faced off against Fujian, who had recently shown improved form. From the start of the game, Beijing displayed excellent teamwork, with foreign player Jerman showcasing his comprehensive abilities through three-point shooting and scoring through breakthroughs, while Zhang Cairen capitalized well on scoring opportunities created by his teammates. Although they led by only three points in the first quarter at 32-29, the team's overall approach had already begun to take effect.
In the second quarter, both teams saw a drop in shooting accuracy, especially Beijing, whose over-reliance on outside shooting led to low offensive efficiency. Fortunately, under the stable performance of Fang Shuo, they maintained a slight lead of 51-50 at halftime. In the second half, Beijing adjusted their tactics in time, shifting their offensive focus to the inside. They finally seized the opportunity when Fujian's physical condition declined in the final quarter, ending their losing streak with a score of 105-89.
Shandong's away game against Guangzhou was also noteworthy. At the beginning of the game, Shandong appeared somewhat slow to heat up, relying mainly on the individual abilities of their two foreign players, Chris and Gaili, for offense. However, with the rotation of substitute players, especially Moore's gradually finding his touch from outside shooting, the team's offensive and defensive rhythm began to improve. Although they were once behind in the first half, Shandong managed to turn things around through deep rotations and clear tactical execution, overtaking the score at halftime with 59-56.
In the second half, Shandong took advantage of Guangzhou's declining physical condition, launching a smooth offensive wave to quickly establish an advantage. The team worked in perfect harmony, with Gao Shiyan delivering a comprehensive performance of 16 points and 12 assists, leading the team to a decisive victory with a score of 121-89. This victory not only demonstrated Shandong's overall strength but also propelled them to third place in the league.
In other matches of this round, Guangsha continued their strong performance. Facing a formidable Zhejiang team, Guangsha started poorly but managed to turn the tide with Brown's outstanding performance, narrowly defeating their opponents 102-98 to secure their seventh consecutive win and maintain their top position. Shanxi showed remarkable offensive firepower in their match against Ningbo, with eight players scoring in double figures, ultimately winning with a high score of 134-119.
After this round of matches, the CBA standings presented an extremely rare tight situation. From second-placed Shanxi to ninth-placed Xinjiang, there was only a difference of two points between the eight teams, creating a competitive landscape rarely seen in league history. This situation not only reflects the balanced strength of the teams this season but also foreshadows that the upcoming regular season will be even more thrilling.
It is worth mentioning that each team displayed different characteristics and advantages in this round of matches. Beijing managed to adjust their tactics in time to win despite the absence of key players, demonstrating the coaching staff's adaptability; Shandong showcased their overall depth through flexible use of the rotation lineup; while Guangsha and Shanxi's matches displayed powerful offensive firepower, adding more spectacles and competitiveness to the league.
As the regular season enters its second half, teams will engage in more intense competition for playoff spots. The current tight competition in the standings means that every match could have a significant impact on the final rankings. This not only fills fans with anticipation but also encourages teams to continuously improve their competitive level in the coming matches, injecting more exciting highlights into the league.