China
2024.10.30 14:18 GMT+8

Guo Ailun celebrates his 500th CBA game with victory for Guangzhou

Updated 2024.10.30 14:18 GMT+8
Sports Scene

Guo Ailun (#13) of the Guangzhou Loong Lions shoots in the game against the Shenzhen Leopards in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, October 29, 2024. /CMG

The Guangzhou Loong Lions defeated the Shenzhen Leopards 108-101 in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Tuesday, securing their second straight win.

Guo signed with Guangzhou during the offseason and played his 500th game in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) against Shenzhen. He displayed great motivation from the beginning, getting 10 points and three assists in the first quarter and helping the visitors lead 34-24.

Shenzhen counted on He Xining for most of their offensive firepower and he knocked down four triples to contribute 18 points in the first half. However, the rest of the team failed to join him, watching Guangzhou extend their advantage to 12 points, 67-55, after the second quarter.

Guangzhou began the third with a 8-0 run, sitting on a 20-point lead, 75-55. However, the team then struggled to make shots, especially after Guo went to the bench for a break. Shenzhen outscored the opponents 25-18 in this quarter, cutting their deficit to five points, 85-80.

Shenzhen's rally continued when the fourth quarter began. They came close in reversing the situation when Guangzhou's lead dropped to one point, 85-84, but Guo stood up to save the day. He tore the home team's defense apart with a series of isolation attacks, including scoring an ankle breaker in front of Li Muhao and making the decisive layup when there were 20 seconds left.

Guo, 30, scored 25 points and seven assists, both team highs, on a memorable night of his career.

"I can still play basketball," Guo said in tears. "Some said I couldn't do it anymore. They said I'm retiring."

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