CBA playoffs quarterfinals Game 2 saw the defending champions, Guangsha, pull off a crucial 86-81 road victory against the Shanxi Loongs, leveling the best-of-three series at 1-1. After losing Game 1 at home, Guangsha faced elimination with a loss on the road, but they fought back to keep their title defense alive.
This matchup between the regular-season No. 2 seed Guangsha and No. 10 seed Shanxi has been one of the most compelling in the playoffs. Shanxi, known for their resilience after sweeping Qingdao in the first round, stunned Guangsha in Game 1 with a 92-90 win. That forced Guangsha into a must-win situation on Wednesday night.
From the opening tip, Guangsha set the tone, outscoring Shanxi 25-21 in the first quarter. The second quarter was tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets and the period ending 21-20 in favor of Guangsha. At halftime, the visitors held a five-point lead.
The third quarter saw both offenses struggle, with Shanxi managing just 14 points and Guangsha only 12, narrowing the lead to three points heading into the final period. The fourth quarter was a tense battle, with neither team able to pull away. In the closing seconds, Shanxi’s Diallo missed a critical layup that could have tied or won the game, sealing Guangsha’s road victory.
With the series now tied, the deciding Game 3 will be played back in Guangsha’s home arena. Given their strong home-court record and the momentum from this win, the defending champions have seized the advantage. Shanxi, having missed the chance to sweep the champions, now face a daunting task on the road.
The victory not only extended Guangsha’s season but also reaffirmed their championship pedigree. The team showed poise under pressure, executing down the stretch when it mattered most. For Shanxi, the challenge now is to regroup and steal a win in a hostile environment.