Zhang Cairen helps Beijing beat Liaoning on birthday night

The Beijing Ducks beat the Liaoning Flying Leopards 105-90 in Beijing on Wednesday, defeating the reigning Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) champions for the second time this season.

Zhang Cairen of Beijing shot 7-for-12 from downtown to drop court-high 27 points on the first day of 2025 and his 30-year-old birthday night.

"This is New Year's Day, as well as my birthday," Zhang told CGTN Sports Scene's Damion Jones. "So this game is very meaningful, and I hope to continue the good momentum this year."

"I wish all of the fans a Happy New Year," home team captain Zhai Xiaochuan said. May all your wishes come true, and you have good health, and be happy everyday."

Beijing's starting center Zhou Qi returned from injury and dominated the paint from the beginning for his side to lead 10-4. Kyle Fogg stepped up for the visitors and made a series of jumpers to keep the competition from going one-sided early. At the end of the first quarter, the home team grabbed two offensive rebounds before Zhang Cairen made a shot to his side ahead 21-17.

Richard Solomon and Zhou continued to rattle Liaoning's rim in the second quarter while Zhai and Zeng Fanbo both knocked down shots from downtown. Though both Fogg and Dez Wells kept charging Beijing's paint, they couldn't stop the visitors' deficit from growing to nine points at 50-41 before the halftime break.

Chen Ying-Chun drained his first triple on the night in the third quarter for Beijing to stay ahead 64-52, but then her suffered an ankle injury after landing awkwardly on the floor. He was sent to the hospital when Liaoning drove a 10-3 run. As Beijing saw their lead shrink to one point at 70-69, Zhou drew two straight fouls by charging the hoop in response. Meanwhile, Zhang knocked down a triple for the home team to keep their advantage by four points, 75-71, when the quarter ended.

Zhang was unstoppable behind the arc in the fourth quarter during which he made three shots from downtown. His performance enabled Beijing to increase their lead to 20 points at 98-78 when there were less than six minutes left. Soon Liaoning threw in the white towel by putting all of their starters back on bench. Beijing secured their 17th win of the season after 24 games.