The CBA standings have undergone a dramatic change after the 19th round of matches. Shanxi has taken the top spot, while Liaoning has surprisingly fallen out of the top four. Xinjiang has made a strong return to the top four, and Guangdong has climbed to eighth place. Shanghai's six consecutive victories have brought them close to the top 12.
Competition is heating up, and ranking fluctuations are becoming the norm. The battles for the top four, top eight, and playoff spots are intensifying, with the suspense yet to be revealed!
- Shanxi: New Challenges as the Leader
Shanxi defeated Shandong 98-80 and temporarily sits at the top of the standings. Yuan Shuai scored 30 points with 8 out of 12 three-pointers, and Goodwin performed steadily, excelling on both offense and defense. Their record stands at 15 wins and 4 losses, exceeding seasonal expectations.
Shanxi has emerged with a multi-pronged attack and tight defense, but the upcoming schedule is full of challenges. Whether they can maintain their lead will test their strength and resilience.
- Xinjiang: Double Kill Against Tianjin, Return to the Top Four
After double-killing Tianjin, Xinjiang has returned to the top four with a record of 14 wins and 4 losses, demonstrating their formidable strength. Lawson scored 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Abudu Salamu contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds, both performing well on both ends of the court.
Xinjiang's performance has become increasingly stable, with improved chemistry between foreign and domestic players, showing championship potential. The upcoming schedule remains tough, with key tests against strong opponents.
- Guangdong: Double Kill Against Tongxi, Striving for the Top Eight in the Playoffs
Guangdong defeated Tongxi twice with a score of 112-97, raising their record to 11 wins and 8 losses, ranking eighth. A 32-12 third quarter explosion sealed the victory, with Jilunwote, Xu Jie, and Morand combining for 74 points, putting on an impressive display.
Despite climbing in the rankings, the upcoming matches against strong teams like Zhejiang and Liaoning will be crucial tests, especially the improvement of their frontcourt, which will determine whether Guangdong can solidify their position in the top eight.
- Liaoning: Loss in the Northeast Derby, Falling Out of the Top Four
Liaoning suffered a surprise defeat in the Northeast Derby, losing 102-114 to Jilin. Despite a valiant effort to catch up in the second half after a big first-half deficit, they were unable to turn the tide. Zhang Zhenlin only scored 2 points in a lackluster performance, while Foger scored 27 points and 9 rebounds, failing to save the team. Jilin's Jones contributed a comprehensive 31 points to help his team win.
After this match, Liaoning's record dropped to 13 wins and 6 losses, slipping from third to fifth place, falling out of the top four. The team exposed its vulnerability in critical moments and needs to quickly adjust their state, especially improving their defense, to return to the top four.
- Shanghai: Six Consecutive Wins, Striving for the Top 12
Shanghai narrowly defeated Shenzhen 103-99, achieving six consecutive wins, with a record of 7 wins and 10 losses, just one step away from the top 12, reigniting hopes for the playoffs.
Lovett put on an all-around performance, scoring 22 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists for a triple-double. The team's state is gradually stabilizing, with significant improvements in offensive firepower and resilience. With a relatively easy upcoming schedule, Shanghai is expected to continue climbing and compete for a playoff spot.
Conclusion
The CBA regular season is fiercely competitive, with Shanxi rising, Liaoning falling, Xinjiang returning to the top four, and Shanghai making a strong comeback. Each round of matches is filled with suspense and excitement.
Rankings change rapidly, and the battle for playoff spots is becoming more intense. Who will ultimately break through? Only time will reveal the answer.