Liaoning lost to Zhejiang with a score of 88-101, losing by 13 points. Not only did they lose the game, but they also lost in terms of small scores. In the case of identical records, Zhejiang ranks higher. Liaoning had an unfavorable start to the game, with Zhao Jiwei not in top form. After being substituted, the team managed to make a comeback. However, Yang Ming still had great trust in Zhao Jiwei and brought him back in the crucial fourth quarter. The result was still turnovers and missed shots, with poor defense as well. He was unable to alleviate the pressure on Ferguson at all, ultimately leading to the loss of the game and criticism from fans. What does it matter if you are a three-time championship hero when your form is off? You should be benched.
Let's listen to what media experts have to say after the game:
Liao Media: It must be said that Wang Shilong really knows Liaoning well. As the No. 12 of Liaoning before Yang Ming, Wang Shilong's understanding of Liaoning is no less than Wang Bo's. In this game, Wang Shilong showed strong targeting, helping Zhejiang win this finals-level confrontation.
Guangdong Media: Liaoning lost this game and their ranking will continue to drop. But this is not the main issue; the main issue is that new methods need to be considered for personnel rotation. Webber can actually be given more playing time, and tactics can be designed for him and Zhao Jiwei. Otherwise, if this point is not used well, how will things go in the future? Currently, we need to rely on him to open up the situation.
The Liaoning starting lineup had a negative plus-minus value across the board, and in the fourth quarter, the offense relied solely on setting screens for Ferguson to play one-on-one, meaning that the outcome of the game was entirely dependent on Ferguson's shooting touch. Cheng Shaipeng made several key shots in the final moments to secure victory for Zhejiang. Don't forget, Cheng Shaipeng was once the captain of the Chinese men's basketball team.
Media person Bai Xiaolan: Is the trend of this game very familiar? Whether leading or trailing, by the fourth quarter, I'm sweating for Liaoning. Yang Ming has already done his utmost in fine-tuning, and the limit of this lineup is to wait for Zhang Zhenlin to return and strengthen the frontcourt depth. The rest is up to fate; if they're accurate, anything is possible, but if they're not, it's basically a stop at the quarterfinals. Ultimately, physical fitness is a big problem.
Basketball commentator Ji Mengnian: The Liaoning Xuanming Two Elders can best demonstrate their roles by each playing 20 minutes per game, but the current situation is what it is. Patton has his own characteristics, especially on the offensive end, but this is not what Liaoning needs most. The defending champions need a blue-collar big man who can play at least 30 minutes per game, grab rebounds, protect the basket, and set screens.
Liaoning has many problems: the frontcourt lacks offensive ability, Zhao Jiwei continues to underperform, taking up Wang Lanqin and Wells' time, and Ferguson and the Xuanming Two Elders are getting older and can't compete for 48 minutes. Zhang Zhenlin's return is not enough to solve the problems; they still need to find foreign aid.