The CBA playoffs continued with a decisive Game 3 in the quarterfinals between Guangdong and Beijing. After Guangdong forced the series with a last-second three-pointer in Game 2, Beijing returned home determined to close out the series. The game remained tight throughout, but Beijing’s deeper roster ultimately prevailed with an 88-73 victory, making them the third team to advance to the semifinals, joining Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Beijing had four players score in double figures, led by Jemison’s triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Zhou Qi added 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Chen Yingjun scored 16 and Zeng Fanbo contributed 15. For Guangdong, Quinn led with 25 points and 8 rebounds, Hu Mingxuan added 13, and McCall chipped in 11.
The game started with high intensity from both sides. Guangdong attacked aggressively from inside and outside, and Xu Liming made frequent substitutions. Zeng Fanbo and Hu Mingxuan traded three-pointers. McGee struggled in the post, leaving Zhou Qi and Spellman to keep Beijing close. Hu Mingxuan hit a tough buzzer-beating three to give Guangdong a six-point lead after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the teams traded baskets, with the margin hovering around five points. Lakovic scored repeatedly on Zhou Qi, while Lei Meng and Chen Yingjun’s impatience affected Beijing’s rhythm. Du Runwang’s corner three pushed Guangdong’s lead to double figures, forcing a Beijing timeout. Zhao Rui collided with Hu Mingxuan during a drive, and Beijing then went on an 18-0 run, including a 3+2 play, to take the lead. Beijing held a five-point advantage at halftime.
The second half saw Quinn deliver explosive drives and dunks, but Zhou Qi answered with dunks and blocks. Hu Mingxuan hit another miraculous buzzer-beating three, and Xu Liming urged his team to tighten defense. Beijing maintained a slim lead entering the fourth quarter.
In the final period, Zhao Rui returned from injury to pair with Chen Yingjun as a strong backcourt. Du Runwang’s crucial three-point foul allowed Beijing to extend the lead to 10. A physical altercation between Chen Yingjun and Zhang Haojia resulted in double technical fouls after video review. Two controversial calls late in the game frustrated Du Feng, and despite a desperate comeback effort, Guangdong could not overcome the deficit.
Guangdong’s season ended in disappointment. While losing to a strong Beijing team was not unexpected, the game exposed recurring issues. Key players like Sallinger struggled (only 5 points) and seemed likely to leave the team. Young talents like Cui Yongxi and Jiao Boqiao became marginal figures, and Xu Jie, a regular for both club and national team, failed to score in 17 minutes of action, leaving a dejected figure at the final buzzer.
Beijing now advances to face the regular-season champion Shanghai in the semifinals. Former coach Gong Xiaobin offered advice: Beijing must minimize mistakes. He emphasized that Shanghai excels at punishing opponents’ errors with their talent and tactical system, and a few lapses can quickly snowball into a large deficit—a warning Beijing must heed.
