Cried, Zhang Zhenlin cried! Debut with 16+3 dominates former team

For the first time playing at Liaoning’s home court as an opposing player, Zhang Zhenlin was overcome with emotion and cried, creating a deeply moving scene.

In the concluding match of the 2025 CBA season,Shanghai triumphed over Liaoning 91-65. Zhang Zhenlin started for roughly 31 minutes, making 5 out of 10 shots, contributing 16 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, with a plus-minus of +28.

During this summer’s offseason, Shanghai acquired Zhang Zhenlin from Liaoning by offering a transfer fee and two young players (Zhao Sen and Sun Fuheng). Liaoning parted ways with Zhang mainly out of respect for his personal career plans.

Zhang Zhenlin spent five seasons with Liaoning, serving as a key forward who helped the team reach the finals four times and win three championships. During this period, he was selected three times for the domestic second team, once for the domestic first team, and made four All-Star appearances.

So far this season, Zhang has played 9 games, starting 7, averaging 26.7 minutes, with 11.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His shooting percentages are 41.8%, 27%, and 83.3%, yet he has not reached his peak performance. Shanghai currently leads the league with a 7-2 record.

Undefeated Guangdong follows closely behind Shanghai with an 8-0 record. Defending champions Guangsha stand third with 7-1, and Beijing is fourth with the same 7-1 record. This season’s CBA clearly features a strong top four, each with enough depth to contend for the championship.

It is worth mentioning,Beijing has completed the registration of Zeng Fanbo, the 22-year-old forward who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Nets this summer. He will play in the New Year’s Day game against Guangdong. Chen Yingjun (recovering from a nasal fracture) may also return.

Therefore, there is a great chance to see Beijing’s full-strength lineup on New Year’s Day, featuring Zhao Rui, Chen Yingjun, Zeng Fanbo, and Zhou Qi. If they develop good chemistry, they could become the top contenders for the title.

After suffering two consecutive losses in the first window of the World Cup qualifiers, the Chinese men’s basketball team needs Zhang Zhenlin and Zeng Fanbo to quickly regain their form ahead of the second window matches on February 26 against Japan and March 1 against Chinese Taipei this year.