The 2021-22 CBA season started on Saturday. The reigning champions Guangdong Southern Tigers received their rings before defeating the Zhen Aviators 106-83 in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province.
Yi Jianlian, who suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in Game 3 of the CBA Finals last season, returned for the Southern Tigers and dropped 16 points on the court.
Another CBA star who stayed away for a long time because of injuries, Ding Yanyuhang, came back for the Shandong Heroes and contributed 19 points, two steals and five triples to help his team beat the Beijing Royal Fighters 105-93.
The other two games on Saturday were:
Jilin Northeast Tigers 91-79 Nanjing Monkey Kings
Qingdao Eagles 100-93 Sichuan Blue Whales
Yi Jianlian (#9) of the Guangdong Southern Tigers shoots in the game against the Shenzhen Aviators in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province, October 16, 2021. /CFP
The Guangdong Southern Tigers receive the championship rings before the game against the Shenzhen Aviators in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Yi Jianlian (#9) of the Guangdong Southern Tigers shoots in the game against the Shenzhen Aviators in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Shen Zijie (#11) of the Shenzhen Aviators blocks a shot by Zeng Fanri of the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the game in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Ding Yanyuhang (#2) of the Shandong Heroes celebrates after making a 3-pointer in the game against the Beijing Royal Fighters in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Ding Yanyuhang (R) of the Shandong Heroes penetrates in the game against the Beijing Royal Fighters in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Zhang Fan (#6) of the Beijing Royal Fighters shoots in the game against the Shandong Heroes in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Jiang Yuxing (#13) of the Jilin Northeast Tigers penetrates in the game against the Nanjing Monkey Kings in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Sun Mingyang (#27) of the Nanjing Monkey Kings competes for rebound in the game against the Jilin Northeast Tigers in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Zhao Tailong (#8) of the Qingdao Eagles shoots in the game against the Sichuan Blue Whales in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP
Zhang Dianliang (#12) of the Sichuan Blue Whales blocks a shot by Wang Qingming of the Qingdao Eagles in the game in Zhuji, October 16, 2021. /CFP