In the fiercely competitive and unpredictable arena of the CBA, every regular season game is a test of a team's strength and a great opportunity for players to showcase their talents. At this moment, the schedule is in full swing as Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team travels to an away game to face off against Beijing Enterprises Group (BEG) Men's Basketball Team in a thrilling encounter. Ultimately, Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team emerged victorious with a score of 100-93, securing this crucial win. It's worth noting that they had just defeated Shanxi Team and now have taken down BEG, achieving such a winning streak under the challenging circumstances of an incomplete roster and lineup shortages, which is truly admirable. Among all this, we cannot overlook the commendable on-site tactical acumen of Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team's head coach, Liu Wei. He is like a tactical master, skillfully maneuvering and leading the team to find a way out in difficult situations.
Within the tactical realm meticulously crafted by Coach Liu, two promising rookies, Xilizati and Yilifula, shine like two brilliant stars, constantly emitting dazzling light. Especially Yilifula, his growth story is nothing short of an inspiring legend. There was a time when he could only sit helplessly on the bench, enviously watching his teammates compete on the court, with few opportunities to play himself, as if he were an outsider to the team. However, things have changed dramatically, and under the patient cultivation and full support of Coach Liu, Yilifula has now risen to become a vital core player for Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team. Such a significant transformation raises doubts: was he really not used properly at first?
Speaking of the intense match against BEG, Yilifula fully committed himself upon entering the court, with a burning fighting spirit in his eyes. Throughout the game, he fought for 37 minutes, giving it his all every second. In terms of offense, he was in scorching form, making 6 out of 10 shots, with three-pointers seemingly blessed by divine assistance, hitting 3 out of 6, and sinking all 6 free throws for an efficient 21 points. Moreover, with his sharp breakthroughs and clever passes, he created good opportunities for his teammates, dishing out 4 assists, grabbing 3 rebounds, and completing 2 steals, presenting an excellent set of data with both offensive and defensive prowess. When he was on the court, the team outscored their opponents by 18 points, undoubtedly becoming the key figure in determining the outcome of the game. During the match, Yilifula's relentless determination was evident, and at critical moments, he did not hesitate to take decisive shots. Witness those consecutive three-pointers, with the basketball soaring through the air and accurately into the basket, drawing cheers from the audience and expanding Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team's lead to over 20 points, causing the opponent's morale to crumble. Under the meticulous guidance of Coach Liu, Yilifula's ability to perform in tough matches has been steadily improving. After being tempered in multiple high-intensity games, he has become a core force of the team, repeatedly turning the tide in critical moments.
This match is not the only shining moment for Yilifula! In the previous match against Shanghai Men's Basketball Team, he also shone brightly! In that game, he attempted 9 shots and made an astonishing 8, with an offensive efficiency that was almost frightening, easily scoring 23 points. Not only that, but he also grabbed 5 rebounds, provided 1 assist, and added 1 steal. Such stable and efficient performance fully demonstrates his continuously improving skills.
This season, Yilifula has firmly established himself in the main rotation of Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team's core lineup. In an average playing time of 21.9 minutes per game, he gives his all, averaging 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. His shooting accuracy is solid, with a field goal percentage of 47%, and he excels in three-pointers with a 39.5% success rate, averaging 1.6 three-pointers per game. His free throw accuracy is also impressive at 95.7%. Yilifula's fundamentals are as solid as a rock. On the court, he can break through the defense with his agile footwork and outstanding physical attributes, striking at the heart of the matter; he can also seize opportunities from the outside, effortlessly sinking three-pointers. What's even more valuable is that he has a "big heart," becoming more courageous and decisive in his attacks during crucial moments, without any fear. When the team faces personnel shortages and difficulties, Yilifula always bravely steps up to shoulder the burden of the team's offense, rightfully earning him the title of the primary contributor to Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team's victories. With such outstanding performances, it is expected that Coach Liu will place even greater importance on him in the future, giving him more playing time to fully exert his abilities.