The Beijing Ducks brought an end to the Shanghai Sharks’ four-game winning streak, beating Shanghai 108-98 Wednesday night.
Justin Hamilton scored a team-high 28 points, added by Zhai Xiaochuan’s 22. Jimmer Fredette scores 25 points for the Sharks, added by Nick Minnerath’s 24.
The game between Beijing and Shanghai marked the return of the Ducks to one of their most familiar haunts for the first time in this CBA campaign. And suiting up in Wukesong in Beijing meant a bigger and more engaged crowd cheering on Zhai Xiaochuan and the Capital Squad, as they brought an end to the Sharks win streak.
The visitors entered tip-off seeking their fifth triumph in a row, and clearly had no interest in playing the role of homecoming opponent, but after grabbing the lead in the early minutes, reigning CBA International MVP Jimmer Fredette and his teammates found it hard to bounce into their usual rhythm, with the spectators trying their best to help make sure that remained the case.
Jiangsu upset Guangdong 95-93 /VCG Photo
Jiangsu upset Guangdong 95-93 /VCG Photo
"The loss to Beikong was emotional and exhausting. We wanted to win that game really bad. We watched how Shanghai played and we saw what a good team they were. We want to take the emotions out of the equation. We wanted to play our basketball and be physical with them. We did a good job because we need this win tonight." Aaron Jackson, Beijing guard said.
Elsewhere, MarShon Brooks made a final two points with nine seconds left as the Jiangsu Dragons upset the Guangdong Southern Tigers 95-93. Brooks finished game-high 39 points on the night. On the Guangdong side, Edwin Jackson contributed 30 points, added by Yi Jianlian’s 25 points.
Also on Wednesday, Ding Yanyuhang brought a remarkable comeback and scored 33 points, helping Shandong beat Shenzhen 106-99 at home. Jamal Franklin scored 33 points for Sichuan as the Blue Whales upset leaders Guangsha. Andray Blatche came back from injury and helped Xinjiang beat Bayi Rockets 95-74.
Guangsha would still lead the table despite the loss, followed by Liaoning, Shandong, Guangdong, Jiangsu with six wins and two losses. Beijing and Zhejiang round up the top eight.