- Team and fans mourn the loss of three-time CBA champion Ji, who died of lung cancer last week
- Lin calls drama of final seconds a ‘miracle’ after sealing late comeback
Jeremy Lin sealed a dramatic victory for the Beijing Ducks on Sunday night in the Chinese Basketball Association.
With time running down in their game against the Shenzhen Aviators and the Ducks down 100-99 at home, Lin drew a foul on a three-point attempt and then scored all three of his free throws to make the score 102-100 for the Ducks.
Lin finished with 25 points. He also had six boards and served up four assists in his 34 minutes on court. The win takes the Ducks to 10-4 for the season and fifth on the standings.
Guangzhou Loong Lions are next up at the Cadillac Arena on Tuesday. The Ducks won their last encounter 105-83 when they met last month.
It was an emotional night in Beijing as the game also served as a tribute to former Ducks player Ji Zhe, who died of lung cancer last week aged 33.
The three-time CBA winner was honoured by both players and mascots wearing jerseys with his shirt number, No 51, before the game. Many of the Ducks players were in tears.
@JLin7 IG: "Dear Lord…." pic.twitter.com/Ake5h6lyLF
" #linstronginca#NeverDone!! #BeijingDucks (@linspiredinca) December 8, 2019
Ducks fans shone their mobile phone torches and many held up signs bearing his jersey number.
Lin posted about the emotions of the evening on his Instagram account after the game.
"Dear Lord, through an emotional night honouring a former player, everything that happened tonight was part of your perfect plan. Still can't believe we won," he wrote. "Truly a miracle."
JI Zhe, PF of Shougang Ducks, passed away 12/2 due to cancer.Tonite 30000 people showed up to bid farewell.The moment when 30000 cameras lit up and 30000 voices chanting "Niubi" for you, you know how much you are loved.RIP brother J! pic.twitter.com/J45kUgB4dO
" Barkley Su (@barkley_su) December 8, 2019
Former teammate Stephon Marbury was among others to pay tribute to Ji on social media, as was CBA leading scorer Yi Jianlian.
At the critical moment-2 sec left, @JLin7 in time was fouled by the opponent, and game winner with FT 3-3. #teamwork #BeijingDucks pic.twitter.com/GkBblepasF
" Popo Chung (@PopoChung7) December 8, 2019
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