Published: 08:56, April 8, 2025
CBA: Xinjiang eliminates Nanjing, Zhejiang levels with Qingdao in playoffs
By Xinhua

BEIJING - The Xinjiang Flying Tigers eliminated the Nanjing Monkey Kings, while the Zhejiang Golden Bulls tied their series with the Qingdao Eagles after Monday's matchups in the best-of-three first round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) playoffs.

All five Xinjiang starters scored in double digits as the Flying Tigers edged the Monkey Kings 113-108 to clinch the series 2-0.

Backed by home fans, Nanjing opened the game with intense defensive pressure, forcing turnovers from Xinjiang, who missed out on injured core guard Zhao Rui and key rotation center Li Yanzhe.

However, Xinjiang turned the tide in the third quarter with a barrage of 3-pointers, hitting 10 of 13 from beyond the arc to take a nine-point lead into the final quarter. Facing elimination, Nanjing launched a late comeback, but Xinjiang held firm with strong defensive rebounding to secure the win.

Dedric Lawson led Xinjiang with 24 points, while forward Qi Lin contributed 18. Lin Wei paced Nanjing with 24 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists, and Zeng Fanri added 17 points and eight rebounds.

In another playoff clash, center Damian Jones recorded a dominant double-double of 24 points and 18 rebounds to lead Zhejiang to a 104-81 victory over Qingdao, leveling the series at 1-1. Qingdao's young prospect Yang Hansen fouled out early in the fourth quarter, finishing with just two points and four rebounds in 24 minutes.

READ MORE: CBA: Beijing routs Tianjin, Guangdong smashes Sichuan

Xinjiang will face the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the quarterfinals, while Zhejiang and Qingdao will meet in a decisive Game 3.