We're back with men's basketball as China's Red Team claimed their first victory at these Asian Games, defeating the Philippines 82-80 at the GBK Basketball Hall. The game was also a clash between two NBA players as the Philippines featured Jordan Clarkson of the Cleveland Cavaliers while China was led by Zhou Qi of the Houston Rockets. Daniel Plafker has the story.

There were a lot of uncertainties before the Asian Games as coach Li Nan did not make his final selections for the China Red team until a week ago when the NBA cleared Zhou and the Dallas Mavericks' Ding Yanyuhang to compete for their country. The Philippines had pulled out of the tournament after a brawl with Australia on July 2nd in a 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifier resulted in multiple suspensions, but they later decided to play in Jakarta, albeit with only part of their original team, including Clarkson.

ZHOU QI CHINA RED TEAM CENTER "We are also missing a lot of players because of injuries, our team is not complete either, and we are still a very young squad. But we don't think about who our opponents are, we just give our best on the court."

Li Nan's team was under a lot of pressure due to injuries and lack of cooperation during training before the Games. But Yao Ming, the president of the Chinese Basketball Association, was eager for China to improve on their fifth-place result from four years ago. In the beginning of this game, the Philippines seize the momentum with good work inside, but Zhou heats up for China by scoring three triples in just 5 minutes, while also blocking Clarkson to give China a double-digit lead.

ZHOU QI HOUSTON ROCKETS CENTER "It was not a set up as I just saw an opportunity and I took it."

And the seven-foot-one Zhou continues to dominate in the paint - rebounding, blocking, and drawing fouls. The 22-year-old would have an incredible six blocks in the first half alone while hitting four three-pointers to make up for some poor shooting from his teammates. So when Clarkson starts to lead a Philippines comeback, it is the stellar play of Zhou that allows China to preserve a 5 point lead at halftime.

ZHOU QI CHINA RED TEAM CENTER "Yes, the team made some mistakes, but we will learn from our experience this time, and try to avoid those mistakes in the next game."

In the second half, Clarkson starts to show what he is capable of, as the Filipino-American drills three straight triples to knot the score at 55-all late in the third quarter. CBA domestic MVP Ding Yanyuhang is troubled by an injury, and is taken off the court after picking up five fouls.

ZHOU QI "I think everyone saw what Clarkson can do, and he is also a force in the NBA, so for us, all we can do is to try to limit his abilities."

LI NAN CHINA RED TEAM COACH "We researched his data, and watched his games before, and we know what kind of player he is. We have prepared, but he performed too well today."

The crucial final quarter comes and the Filipinos are on their way to ending a 44-year Asian Games drought against China with an 80-77 lead after a Stanley Pringle bucket, with one minute and 20 seconds to play. But then China scores 5 straight points for the comeback win. Zhao Rui's free throw gives China an 82-80 victory.

LI NAN CHINA RED TEAM COACH "I think both Zhou Qi and Ding Yanyuhang did a good job today as they both only recently joined the team and have injuries. Their performances are what lead the team forward in the game."

China's first win was snatched from the jaws of defeat at the last second, and this tough opener might mean the return to the top of the Asian Games podium will be a hard journey. But along the way, the young squad will also pick up some valuable experience that will help at next year's FIBA World Cup.