Zhang Zhenlin shines as holders Shanghai Sharks start CBA season with win

Zhang Zhenlin delivered a stellar performance, scoring a team-high 28 points to lead the defending CBA champions, the Shanghai Sharks, to a 105-92 victory against the Beijing Royal Fighters.  With the win, Shanghai have made a good start to the new season, winning its opening two games. 

The game showcased a series of electrifying moments. An inbound pass from Wang Zhelin was fumbled by JaVale McGee which led to Beijing guard Grant Riller setting up Harry Giles for an emphatic two-handed dunk. 

Liao Sanning capped off the first quarter by beating the buzzer with a three-pointer, tying the game at 27. Last season's Finals MVP, Brandon Goodwin, then connected with Zhang for a crucial triple, helping Shanghai level the score at 47.

Li Hongquan found McGee for a two-handed jam on his way to an impressive 17 points, putting the Sharks ahead by one. However, Riller countered for Beijing, assisting Liao on a corner three that brought the teams back even at 60.  

Zhang continued to shine, hitting his fourth three-pointer of the match, which extended Shanghai's lead to seven. He followed this up with a spectacular one-handed dunk, showcasing his dominance as the visitors began to pull away decisively. While Liao stepped up for the Royal Fighters, finishing with a game-high 34 points, it wasn't enough to secure victory. The Sharks ultimately emerged victorious by 13 points.

In other matchups, the Shenzhen Leopards defeated the Jiangsu Dragons 89-81.