Record 11-time CBA champions the Guangdong Southern Tigers pulled off an impressive comeback to edge last season's runners-up the Xinjiang Flying Tigers away, handing them a first loss of the new season.

Guangdong got off to a rocky start, plagued by errors and struggling with poor shooting accuracy in the first quarter. This allowed the visitors to surge ahead by over 10 points. Guangdong failed to sink a single three-pointer from 11 attempts in the first quarter. By the end of the frame, the hosts were trailing Xinjiang by a substantial 11-point gap at 17-28, and by halftime, they were down by 20 points.

The tide turned in the second half. Guangdong found their groove and began to pick up the pace in scoring. Players like Troy Gillenwater, Hu Mingxuan, and Xu Jie rediscovered their form, gradually closing the point deficit. It wasn't until halfway through the fourth quarter that Guangdong managed to level the score in a hard-fought battle. During crucial moments, Xu Jie, Du Runwang, and Gillenwater sunk consecutive long-range shots, propelling Guangdong to a 102-95 win over Xinjiang.

Hu racked up 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Gillenwater chipped in with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist. Xu, who had been off his game in previous matches, shone with 22 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. With this win, Guangdong notched their second straight victory and their first home win of the season. They will take on the Fujian Sturgeons at home on Wednesday.