Zhao Jiwei struggled, scoring only 1 out of 7 attempts! He Xining scored 32+9 as Shenzhen narrowly defeated Liaoning.

On January 18th Beijing time, during the CBA regular season, Shenzhen secured a narrow 87-83 victory over Liaoning on their home court.

Liaoning’s Wells tallied 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals; Fu Hao added 20 points and 6 rebounds; Morland recorded 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists; meanwhile, Shenzhen’s Wells also scored 25 points with 5 rebounds and 3 steals, Fu Hao posted 20 points and 6 rebounds, and Morland contributed 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.

In the first quarter, Morland and Fu Hao aggressively attacked the basket, dominating the opponents. Jiang Yuxing scored on a fast break layup, and Wang Lanqin also hit shots from outside. Shenzhen’s perimeter shooting was excellent, with Rong Zifeng and He Xining hitting consecutive three-pointers like a barrage. After Wang Haoran made a put-back, Shenzhen took a 16-15 lead. Wells scored on a jump shot, Li Xiaoxu nailed an open three, and the team then strengthened their inside attack effectively, allowing Liaoning to regain the lead and finish the quarter ahead 25-20.

In the second quarter, Yan Shouqi hit a pull-up three to help Liaoning extend their lead. Smith’s offensive prowess shone as he scored 6 straight points, sparking Shenzhen’s counterattack and tying the score at 32-all. The two teams then entered a tight battle with the score rising back and forth. At a critical moment, Smith stepped up again, using his individual skills to score consecutively, helping Shenzhen close the half leading 44-39.

During the third quarter, Jiang Yuxing scored on a fast break, and Fu Hao kept attacking the basket, bringing Liaoning’s score to 52-54. He Xining scored 5 points in a row, Johnson made a tough three-pointer; Morland and Wells continuously attacked the basket, keeping the game close, with Shenzhen holding a 1-point advantage. He Xining repeatedly scored on fast breaks, helping Shenzhen end the quarter leading 68-63.

In the final quarter, Liaoning kept attacking the paint, leaving their opponents struggling to respond. After a small scoring run, they tied the game at 71-all. At a crucial moment, Smith scored repeatedly, and Yan Shouqi responded with a three-pointer, giving Shenzhen a slim 77-75 lead. Smith then hit a mid-range shot, and He Xining successfully made a layup, helping Shenzhen extend the lead to 83-77. As the game entered the decisive moments, Wells scored multiple times in a row, single-handedly keeping Liaoning’s hopes alive. In the final moments, Liaoning resorted to tactical fouls. After He Xining made both free throws, Shenzhen led 87-83 by 4 points. In the remaining time, Liaoning was unable to turn the game around, and Shenzhen secured a hard-fought victory.

Starting Lineups

Liaoning: Fu Hao, Zhao Jiwei, Jiang Yuxing, Morland, Wells

Shenzhen: He Xining, Rong Zifeng, Wang Haoran, Kaba, Johnson