Joseph Young of Nanjing Monkey Kings (R) is guarded by Liu Xiaoyu of Beijing Ducks during a CBA game on December 28, 2019. /VCG Photo
Beijing Ducks was overturned by Nanjing Monkey Kings 101-100 as it kept misfiring in the 4th quarter, while Fujian smashed Tianjin 133-114 in their Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) games on Saturday.
Hosts Nanjing had 39 free throws, compared to Beijing's 16, especially in the last quarter where the host team exploited Beijing's fouls to cut the deficit.
"There's huge difference in free throws," said Beijing head coach Christopoulos Yannis, adding "but I don't want make excuses, the game is about details."
Beijing head coach Christopoulos Yannis is at the post-game presser after the game between Beijing Ducks and Nanjing Monkey Kings in Nanjing, east China, December 28, 2019. /VCG Photo
With star player Jeremy Lin keeping his hot hands, the visitors led into the 4th quarter by 12 points. However, tough defense from the hosts resulted in the sudden misfiring of Beijing.
Wang Rui scored his only 3-pointer attempt for Nanjing with 5.3 seconds remaining before Fang Shuo missed his last basket.
"I'm glad to see the growth of our domestic players," said Nanjing coach Cui Wanjun.
Chen Linjian of Fujian Sturgeons (C) in action during a CBA game against Tianjin Pioneers on December 28, 2019. /VCG Photo
Elsewhere, Chen Linjian grabbed a career-high 46 points to help Fujian smash Tianjin 133-114, Beijing Royal Fighters beat Bayi Rockets 124-108, and Shandong Heroes eased past Jilin Northeast Tigers 124-104.