Beijing Ducks end Guangdong Southern Tigers' eight-game winning streak

The Beijing Ducks put an end to the Guangdong Southern Tigers' eight-game winning streak with a 105-74 win at home on Thursday, as the capital crew battered the record 11-time CBA champions by 31 points.

The Ducks had star forward Zeng Fanbo back from injury after just under 250 days. In his official 2025-26 debut, the 22-year-old who spent part of the preseason with the NBA's Brooklyn Nets made seven field goals from nine attempts, including four three-pointers. Last year's CBA Most Improved Player finished with 18 points off the bench.

Beijing's international duo of Eugene German (22) and Omari Spellman (21) both contributed more than 20 points, with the hosts jumping out to a double-digit lead late in the first quarter, 28-14. Meanwhile the home side's stifling defense kept the Southern Tigers from reaching 20 points in three of the four quarters.

Guangdong struggled on offense with only two players reaching double-digit points. Jared Sullinger missed eight of his 12 field goals attempts and scored a mere 11 points. Edmond Sumner poured in a game-high 35 points, but committed seven turnovers, while dishing out just four assists.

In another key contest, defending champions the Guangsha Lions crushed the Tianjin Pioneers 102-68 on the road, rising to first place.

The visitors had five players score in double digits. Rayjon Tucker netted 17 points and distributed eight assists. Both he and Josh Carlton earned eight free throw attempts with fiery offensive aggression, as the duo combined to make 15 shots at the line.

Scottie James scored a game-high 22 points for Tianjin, but the hosts didn't cause much trouble for the titleholders before suffering their eighth loss of the campaign.

Guangsha leads the standings on tiebreakers ahead of Beijing and Guangdong, with all three teams sporting 8-1 records after the first nine games of the season.

Thursday's other results (home teams listed first):

Jiangsu Dragons 79-84 Ningbo Rockets

Sichuan Blue Whales 88-104 Fujian Sturgeons

Zhejiang Golden Bulls 78-73 Qingdao Eagles