On December 28, 2024, the 23rd round of the CBA witnessed a highly anticipated match between Liaoning and Xinjiang men's basketball teams. This game was not just an ordinary regular season match but also had a sense of revenge, as Xinjiang had defeated Liaoning 125-105 in their first encounter this season. This time, Liaoning showed no mercy, avenging their loss with a 115-89 victory, securing a three-game winning streak. The most eye-catching aspect of the game was undoubtedly Wells' explosive 50-point performance. From multiple angles, the game showcased Liaoning's formidable strength and exposed some fatal weaknesses of Xinjiang. Here are seven undeniable facts from the game:
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Wells is the Key to Liaoning's Victory
There is no doubt that Wells, the foreign player, was the MVP of the game. He displayed an almost invincible personal offensive ability, scoring 50 points and hitting 11 three-pointers, directly dominating the course of the game. Wells' performance in the game can be considered one of the most explosive individual displays in the CBA season so far. His outburst was not only reflected in scoring but also in leading the team's offense in terms of style and rhythm, driving Liaoning's overall performance. Even when Xinjiang tried to narrow the gap, Wells' key scores always stabilized the situation, preventing the opponent from getting close.
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Xinjiang's Mistakes Became a Fatal Weakness
Although Xinjiang also had a decent offensive performance, their mistakes turned out to be the fatal flaw in this game. Xinjiang made a total of 22 turnovers, with as many as 9 in the first quarter alone. Too many turnovers not only cost Xinjiang counterattack opportunities but also allowed Liaoning to quickly score on counterattacks. In high-intensity games, turnovers often determine the direction of the game, especially against strong opponents like Liaoning.
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Liaoning's Team Offense and Defense Were Flawless
Besides Wells' personal display, Liaoning's overall team performance was equally commendable. Wang Lanchen contributed 20 points, Han Dejun scored 11 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for a double-double, and Ferg also had 13 points. These players' performances enabled Liaoning to form a multi-flower situation on the offensive end while effectively suppressing Xinjiang's offense through collective cooperation on the defensive end. Especially on defense, Liaoning successfully limited Xinjiang's outside play multiple times, ensuring their lead advantage.
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Xinjiang's Foreign Players' Performance Failed to Save the Team
Despite the contributions of Xinjiang's foreign players, Peterson and Lawson, on the offensive end, their performances were never enough to turn the tide of the game. Peterson contributed buzzer-beating dunks and had some eye-catching moments on the court, but relying solely on foreign players' performances was not enough to support the entire team. Facing the powerful Liaoning men's basketball team, Xinjiang's local players failed to effectively support the foreign players, resulting in the team never being able to execute effective offensive combinations.
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Liaoning's Defense Successfully Suppressed Xinjiang's Offense
Defense was another key to Liaoning's victory. Although Xinjiang's offense had its highlights at times, under Liaoning's defensive pressure, the team seemed somewhat powerless. Liaoning effectively stifled Xinjiang's offensive rhythm through tight marking, especially by disrupting their outside shooting. Even when Xinjiang attempted to narrow the gap, Liaoning's defense remained solid, with excellent defensive rebounding and transition offense.
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The Game Pace Was Completely Controlled by Liaoning
Judging from the progress of the game, Liaoning completely controlled the pace. After the opening, they quickly opened up the point difference with a 13-2 run and maintained the lead throughout. Although Xinjiang narrowed the gap several times, Liaoning always responded strongly at critical moments, ensuring the game pace was not disrupted. Whether it was defensive counterattacks or half-court positional warfare, Liaoning performed with ease.
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The Synergy Between Wells and the Whole Team Shows Championship Potential
Finally, it must be mentioned that the synergy between Wells and other team members. Despite Wells scoring 50 points alone, he was not fighting alone; the performances of teammates like Wang Lanchen and Ferg also provided a guarantee for the team's victory. At multiple critical moments, Liaoning's players could support each other, forming an effective offensive system. This spirit of teamwork makes Liaoning more competitive in future games and even a strong contender for the championship.
In summary, from this game, we can see that Liaoning men's basketball team has shown great strength in both offense and defense, as well as in team collaboration. Wells' 50-point explosion is undoubtedly the biggest highlight of the team's victory, but the team's cohesive cooperation and tough defense are also worthy of praise. While Xinjiang had some highlights, too many turnovers and the isolated performance of foreign players led to their failure to make a comeback. With Wells' continued outbursts, Liaoning is still worth watching in the upcoming games, and they also have the potential to become the hottest favorite for the CBA championship.
