Veterans played a key role in Liaoning's third straight CBA title, but their dynasty could be challenged as promising young players including Guangzhou's Yang Hansen and Cui Yongxi keep growing.
BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- With the completion of a three-peat championship, a new dynasty has emerged in the history of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). The establishment of the Liaoning Flying Leopards dynasty, characterized by a stable yet aging core lineup, has been an impressive feat in the playoffs.
Liaoning's remarkable run now includes 12 consecutive victories in the finals, approaching the record of 13 consecutive wins held by the Bayi Rockets (from the 1995-1996 to 1999-2000 seasons). Liaoning has joined Bayi and the Guangdong Southern Tigers as the third team in CBA history to lift the trophy three times in a row.
The Leopards' success can be attributed to their experienced roster and strong teamwork. The return of head coach Yang Ming in the third phase of the season provided the team with stability. Veteran players like 37-year-old Han Dejun and the injury-plagued Li Xiaoxu were instrumental in the playoffs, consistently delivering crucial performances.
Statistically, Liaoning's playoff performance was outstanding. They averaged 108 points per game, second among all teams, and led in rebounds with an average of 49.9 per game. Their 24.2 assists per game ranked second, and they posted an offensive rating of 119.1 points per 100 possessions, also ranking second. Defensively, they allowed 104.2 points per 100 possessions, the best defensive efficiency in the playoffs.
In the finals, Liaoning continued to showcase their defensive tenacity, limiting opponents to an average of 96 points per game. They restricted Xinjiang's shooting percentage to 43.2% and three-point shooting to just 24.4%.
Zhao Jiwei, Liaoning's "court brain," was pivotal, averaging 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 2.8 steals per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 41.9%.
The Finals MVP, Kyle Fogg, demonstrated his two-way prowess with averages of 26.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, shooting 42.4% from behind the arc. Fogg's remarkable performances in Games 2 and 3 of the Finals, where he averaged 34 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals with a +14.5 plus-minus, underscored his impact. He was the first player since Guangdong's Clarence Weems in the 2019-2020 season to score more than 30 points in consecutive finals matches.
Absent from the finals for five years, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, ranked second in the regular season, made a strong comeback with key additions like Li Yanzhe, Zhao Rui, and dominant veteran Dominique Jones.
However, the team's lack of finals experience and Zhao's injury in the semifinals significantly impacted their performance. Despite showing potential, Xinjiang fell short against the more experienced Liaoning.
Last season's finalists, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, narrowly advanced to the semifinals after a tough five-game series against the Shanghai Sharks, but then lost to Xinjiang 3-1 in the semifinal.
With consecutive top-four finishes and a 12-game winning streak in the regular season, Zhejiang's strength was undeniable. Their challenge remained in maintaining shooting consistency and winning crucial playoff games. The team's young star center, Yu Jiahao, has already begun trials in Spain, hinting at future growth during the off-season.
The 11-time champions Guangdong faced setbacks despite the addition of Zhou Qi, who averaged 17.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game in the regular season. Zhou's health issues, culminating in his absence from the pivotal fifth semifinal game due to a back injury, led to Guangdong's elimination by Liaoning despite a 2-1 series lead. The team, described as a "young force" by coach Du Feng, is expected to undergo significant changes in the off-season.
Beijing's two teams had contrasting playoff experiences. The Beijing Ducks struggled with injuries, coaching crew changes, and an aging core, losing to the more dynamic Shanghai in the first round of the playoffs. In contrast, the Beijing Royal Fighters, under coach Min Lulei, saw significant player development - namely the new draft pick No.1 Chen Guohao and newly capped national team guard Liao Sanning - and returned to the playoffs after four years, although they lost to the Shenzhen Aviators in the first round.
The Guangzhou Loong Lions, led by coach Guo Shiqiang, made their fourth consecutive playoff appearance, sweeping the Qingdao Eagles with future NBA prospect Yang Hansen in the first round but falling to a stronger Xinjiang in the next round. The improvements brought by Guo are evident, and young forward Cui Yongxi, now seeking an NBA summer league spot, promises a bright future.
Traditional powerhouse Zhejiang Lions suffered from injuries, with key internationals Hu Jinqiu and Sun Minghui hampered during the playoffs. Maintaining player health over a long season is crucial for their future success. ■