The final game of the CBA quarterfinals is set, as the Shanxi Men’s Basketball Team will take on the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions on the road. This is a single-elimination showdown: the winner advances to face the Shenzhen Leopards in the semifinals, while the loser sees its season come to an end. Shanxi reached the semifinals last year, while Guangsha are the defending champions. Both teams are determined to claim victory.
In the previous match, the game went down to the wire, with Guangsha defeating Shanxi by five points. Shanxi had several opportunities to win but fell short in handling the details. In the closing moments, some fans in the arena shouted inappropriate remarks, leading to the CBA fining Shanxi 50,000 yuan and stripping them of eligibility for the Excellent Venue Award. This highlights the intensity of the matchup.
Let’s start with Shanxi’s side. Zhang Ning was the standout guard in the last game, knocking down four three-pointers with impressive efficiency despite limited attempts. He displayed the best attitude on the floor, and although some critics question his physical style, Zhang Ning has been the most impactful domestic player for Shanxi. His ability to create shots under pressure and fearless mentality make him crucial for the team. In this decisive road game, Shanxi needs Zhang Ning to step up and maintain his perimeter firepower to have any chance.
Diallo had a team-high 16 points and 7 rebounds in the previous contest, repeatedly attacking Guangsha’s paint and contributing on defense. He was the most effective import for Shanxi in that game. Diallo’s talent is undeniable, and recently he has kept his emotions in check. For the final game, Shanxi should give Diallo more minutes and trust his driving ability, as the other imports have struggled to deliver in clutch moments compared to him.
Head coach Pan Jiang has faced ongoing criticism this season for his substitution patterns. In the last game, interior players Liu Chuanxing and Diallo served as the team’s spark, yet Pan replaced Liu when rim protection was needed, leading to several offensive rebounds given up. In the fourth quarter, Diallo was clearly in his best form, but Pan chose to keep underperforming imports like Nate and Nix on the floor, leaving many fans bewildered. Hopefully, Pan Jiang will adjust his rotation in this game and let the hot-handed players see more action, which would boost Shanxi’s chances.
As for Guangsha, star guard Sun Minghui has yet to return in this series due to injury. After the last game, head coach Wang Bo said Sun’s availability for the home game would depend on his recovery progress. It seems likely that Sun will still be sidelined for the final matchup. His absence has significantly impacted Guangsha’s playmaking. In the previous game, the team’s overall three-point shooting was strong, allowing them to steal a win on the road. To secure victory at home, Guangsha will need a collective effort across the board.
This game is a must-win for both sides, so it promises to be a fiercely contested battle where mental toughness will be key. Let’s see which team can earn a spot in the semifinals this year.
