CBA: Zhejiang and Liaoning extend winning streaks

Wu Qian of the Zhejiang Golden Bulls (2nd R) is defended by Beijing Ducks players in the CBA match in Zhuji, Zhejiang Province, China, November 1, 2020. /CFP

The Zhejiang Golden Bulls and Liaoning Flying Leopards extended their win streaks to seven games on Sunday, just over two weeks into the new Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season.

The 2020-21 CBA schedule kicked off on October 17 behind closed doors in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province.

On Sunday afternoon, having just recovered from a twisted ankle, Zhejiang's franchise player Wu Qian delivered another quality performance in their 94-92 win against the Beijing Ducks, with Wu scoring a game-high 37 points.

A missed buzzer beater by Zhou Yixiang sunk the Ducks, handing their new head coach Simone Pianigiani his first loss since taking over the helm in the previous game.

Described as "down-to-earth, low-profile, hard-working, and humble" by Chinese men's basketball team coach Du Feng, Wu is emerging as a star despite receiving less recognition than many of his peers.

O.J. Mayo of the Liaoning Flying Leopards (R) is defended by Qingdao Eagles players in the CBA match in Zhuji, Zhejiang Province, China, November 1, 2020. /CFP

Meanwhile on Sunday night, Liaoning claimed an easy win against the Qingdao Eagles,126-103.

Liaoning built a 12-point advantage in the first half, taking a 63-51 lead, and extending it to 26 points in the third quarter.

Liaoning's Guo Ailun finished with 26 points and 10 assists, O.J. Mayo scored 24 points and Han Dejun, 22. Qingdao's Darius Adams pocketed a game-high 36 points.

While Pianigiani has struggled to connect with his players, Liaoning's new head coach, Yang Ming, has easily weaved himself into his team and embraced his new identity.

Yang Ming, head coach of the Liaoning Flying Leopards, during the CBA match against the Qingdao Eagles in Zhuji, Zhejiang Province, China, November 1, 2020. /CFP

Yang, 35, is no stranger to the franchise or its fans. He retired as Liaoning's captain in 2019 after dedicating his entire athletic career to his home team. He was appointed head coach following veteran coach Guo Shiqiang's resignation during the 2019-20 playoffs.

Yang said he hoped to keep a cool head during the games, but the reality was quite different, as he joined the list of hot-tempered coaches after the whistle blew.

Despite his young age, he has breathed new life into Liaoning. The team has averaged 28.7 assists and 50.9 rebounds this season, something they had never done before.

Wu Qian and Yang Ming are both familiar faces in the league, but have given us some of the biggest surprises as the new season unfolds.

(With input from Xinhua News Agency)