In the last round of the league, Shandong Men's Basketball Team defeated Jiangsu Men's Basketball Team. Although they maintained an advantage in the score throughout the game, the process was not easy. The efficient performance of Jiangsu's Jackson and Goodwin kept the home team, Shandong, on their toes, with the game remaining tense until the final minutes before a definitive conclusion was reached.
Throughout the match, Coach Qiu Biao repeatedly emphasized the importance of "respecting the opponent," both during halftime and after the game. He stressed that teams should not judge their opponents based solely on rankings. Currently, there is no clear distinction between strong and weak teams in the league, especially under the 4-quarter, 7-foreign player policy, where anything can happen in a game. A team may dominate the entire match, but a few lapses in concentration could lead to being caught up or even overtaken by the opponent.
Shandong Men's Basketball Team will soon face another opponent, Ningbo Men's Basketball Team!
Traditionally, Ningbo Men's Basketball Team is considered a bottom-feeder in the league. However, this season, Ningbo has transformed from its previous slump, surpassing teams like Sichuan, Guangzhou, Jiangsu, and Fujian in terms of performance. Did you read that correctly? It includes Jiangsu Men's Basketball Team. In the last round, Shandong struggled against Jiangsu, so they have even less reason to underestimate the stronger Ningbo team.
In the last round, Ningbo played fiercely against Tianjin Men's Basketball Team away from home, with the game remaining close until the very end. With only 34 seconds left, Tianjin led by only 3 points. Ningbo did not need to foul at that point; they just needed to defend well in the next round to have a chance to tie the game. However, unexpectedly, Wang Zirui committed a foul, allowing Lin Tingqian to make two free throws, which effectively ended the suspense of the game.
Being able to drag a formidable Tianjin team, especially as an away team, to the last round demonstrates that Ningbo's fighting ability is not to be taken lightly.
The four foreign players on the team each have outstanding characteristics, with playing times around 20 minutes each, but their scoring efficiency is not low. Core guard Howard averages 20.4 points, Machi 17.2 points, and the two big foreign players, Madion with 12.2 points and 8 rebounds, and Rakosevic with 18.8 points and 8.1 rebounds.
Adding several decent local players like Wang Junjie, Luo Kewen, Ning Hongyu, and Wang Zirui, Ningbo's overall configuration has reached a good level.
While Shandong Men's Basketball Team is ranked relatively high, the team is not taking any chances. As Coach Qiu Biao has been emphasizing, regardless of the opponent, the team must give their all and fight for every turn.
Before the game, head coach Qiu Biao confirmed that Yu Dehao, the defensive cornerstone, and Chris, the core player under the basket, are still unable to play. Yu Dehao has significant edema and severe hematoma, making it difficult for him to walk properly. Further observation is needed, and it is impossible for him to play. Chris is still recovering from his previous injury, although he has shown improvement. However, when attempting breakthroughs or performing certain actions, including core strength rotations in the weight room, he still feels obvious pain. For protection, they need further observation and treatment, and at least a few more days of rest.
This is quite troublesome. The team's defense line originally had two strong defenders, Gao Shiyan and Yu Dehao, specifically to deal with the opponent's core small foreign players and some of the main domestic scorers. Now that Yu Dehao is absent, Gao Shiyan's pressure has increased significantly. The absence of Chris naturally brings a significant impact, which is clear to everyone.
Although they were not on the court in the last game against Jiangsu, the visible mismatch was evident. Jackson and Goodwin of the opposing team repeatedly targeted these two points, launching impressive offensive plays.
For Shandong Men's Basketball Team, although they still have Gaili, Moore, and Kumajie, Gaili has also been affected by injuries. In the last five games, except for a good performance against Nanjing Tongxi away from home, he has basically been on the sidelines. In the last round, he missed shots frequently, only scoring 3 points.
Undoubtedly, the offensive and defensive pressure has now focused on Moore and Kumajie. Originally, they were just the third and fourth foreign players, but now they have to bear the heavy responsibility of the team's victory and defeat. Moore has good scoring ability, but his defensive and organizational skills are slightly lacking. Kumajie, who was originally just a blue-collar player focusing on defense, now has to change roles and actively seek offense after getting the ball.
Fortunately, Moore and Kumajie have been in very good form in recent games.
However, if Gaili cannot find his previous offensive and defensive state for this game, the situation for Shandong Men's Basketball Team will be harsh, essentially facing 2 foreign players against 4, with not just ordinary pressure.