The CBA quarterfinals reach a critical juncture tonight with two pivotal Game 2 matchups: Guangdong hosts Beijing, while Shandong welcomes Shanghai. In a best-of-five series, losing the first game puts a team in a deep bind, and falling to 0-2 would essentially seal their fate. Tonight’s battles are all about survival.
**First-Game Details Reveal Hidden Concerns: Stagnant Forwards and Star Struggles**
Guangdong fell 94-102 to Beijing in Game 1. The score looked close, but Beijing controlled the tempo throughout. Guangdong’s forward line, normally a key scoring weapon, went ice cold. Du Runwang played only 11 minutes, shooting 1-of-4 from the field and 0-of-3 from three-point range, finishing with 2 points and 1 rebound and a minus-4 plus/minus. Zhang Haojia and Cui Yongxi also failed to step up, missing open shots and lagging on help defense, allowing Beijing’s forwards to drive at will. Coach Du Feng’s frustration was visible on the sideline.
On Beijing’s side, despite the win, Qi Zhou endured a poor outing. After scoring 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting against Xinjiang in the previous round, he looked tentative and struggled with positioning.
