In a thrilling start to the CBA Playoffs, the Shanxi Loongs stunned the defending champions, the Guangsha Lions, with a dramatic 92-90 victory on the road, taking a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three quarterfinal series.

The Lions initially took control, with Hu Jinqiu setting up Lin Bingsheng for a wide-open three-pointer to lead 6-5. However, the Loongs responded just before the end of the first quarter when Jiao Hailong found Zhang Ning beyond the arc, tying the game at 25-all with a timely triple.

The second-seeded Guangsha regained their footing in the second quarter, as Barry Brown electrified the crowd with a thunderous dunk over Ibrahima Fall Faye, putting the reigning champions up 48-44. Last season's CBA Finals MVP continued to assert his dominance after halftime, driving to the basket and extending Guangsha's lead.

Brown's impressive performance culminated in a game-high 35 points, highlighted by an acrobatic layup following an assist from Hu. Yet, the tenth-seeded Shanxi Loongs refused to back down. When Marcos Knight missed a crucial free throw late in the fourth quarter, the Lions couldn't grab the rebound. Knight, seizing the moment, fed Jiao for another corner three, tying the score.

In a nail-biting finish, Knight was off the mark in the closing seconds, but Yumiti Sedak's putback sealed the victory for the Loongs, creating shockwaves as the playoffs progress. 

In the night's other opener, the Shenzhen Leopards also found success, defeating the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 108-95 at home. The Golden Bulls started strong with Cheng Shuaipeng's three-pointer giving them an early 7-5 lead, but Shenzhen quickly evened the score with a dunk from debutant Ibou Badji, set up by Lu Pengyu.

League MVP He Xining then showcased his prowess, hitting crucial shots to keep the Leopards in contention. Terquavion Smith followed up with a long three, extending Shenzhen's advantage to seven points. After the break, he cemented the Leopards' lead.

Although Zhejiang chipped away with Brandon Randolph's jumper, it was He's game-high 32 points that kept Shenzhen firmly in command. In a moment of uncertainty, he recovered to sink a crucial three, ultimately guiding the Leopards to a convincing win.