Gao Shiyan (left) of Shandong Heroes shoots during the 14th round match against Jiangsu Dragons at the 2020-21 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang province, Dec 6, 2020. (WENG XINYANG / XINHUA)

ZHUJI, China - Gao Shiyan's magical performance helped the Shandong Heroes beat the Jinlin Northeast Tigers 111-105, while defending champions the Guangdong Southern Tigers defeated the Fujian Sturgeons 153-145 in the 2020-21 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) here on Monday.

In other games, the Liaoning Flying Leopards edged the Jiangsu Dragons 123-80 for their sixth straight win

Just two days ago, Gao Shiyan had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become the first Chinese player to cap a triple-double effort in nearly three years of the league. Tonight, he finished with career-high 35 points and 17 assists along with seven rebounds.

"I'd like to thank our coach Gong Xiaobin to encourage me to find my role in the game. I started with improving my defense and tried to do what I am good at when it came to offense."

Shandong enjoyed a 9-0 start in the game thanked to Gao's three-pointer and assist. Jilin soon surpassed and led by six in the first half. Shandong stormed a 16-4 streak to take the lead again. Jilin narrowed the gap to one with less than three minutes remaining on the clock before Gao secured the victory for Shandong with four free throws.

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Gao's teammate Tao Hanlin had 28 points and 15 rebounds, while Jiao Hailong also had double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jiang Weize led Jilin with 25 points as Jiang Yuxing had 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

After upsetting Beijing to enjoy its first victory this season on Saturday, Fujian surprised the defending champion Guangdong with a 38-36 first quarter. However, their hope of two straight wins was denied by Marshon Brooks, who stormed to 60 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists for Guangdong.

In other games, the Liaoning Flying Leopards edged the Jiangsu Dragons 123-80 for their sixth straight win while the Sichuan Blue Whales beat the Zhejiang Lions 112-110.