The third game of the CBA playoffs quarterfinals sees the Guangdong team visiting Beijing Shougang. With the series tied 1-1, this is a must-win for both sides—the victor advances to the semifinals, while the loser is eliminated from the season. According to reports, led by Du Feng and Zhu Fangyu, Guangdong has already arrived in Beijing, fully preparing for this crucial game on the evening of the 12th. CCTV5 sports channel will provide live coverage of the matchup, highlighting the high stakes of this classic Beijing-Guangdong rivalry.
During the regular season, Beijing Shougang finished fourth with a 29-13 record, while Guangdong ended fifth at 27-15, just two wins apart. Beijing had a first-round bye in the playoffs, while Guangdong beat Guangzhou Long-Lions 2-1 to reach the quarterfinals. Notably, Guangdong lost both regular-season meetings with Beijing, putting them at a disadvantage in terms of lineup depth. Their home win in the last game was largely driven by explosive performances from Quinn and Hu Mingxuan, along with solid contributions from Du Runwang and Xu Jie. The game also featured a clutch three-pointer from Zhang Haojia to seal the victory, giving Guangdong a stroke of luck to level the series.
Comparing the rosters, Beijing Shougang holds a clear edge. In the backcourt, Beijing boasts Zhao Rui, Chen Yingjun, Jemaine, and Williams, while Guangdong relies on Hu Mingxuan, Xu Jie, Quinn, and McCall. On the wings, Beijing features Zeng Fanbo, Lei Meng, Zhai Xiaochuan, and Spellman, while Guangdong counters with Zhang Haojia, Cui Yongxi, and Du Runwang. The biggest mismatch is in the paint: Beijing has former NBA champion center JaVale McGee, ex-NBA player Zhou Qi, and others, whereas Guangdong relies on aging Salinger, new import Rakocevic, and undersized Wang Shaojie. In the previous game, Guangdong had only 10 free-throw attempts at home, while Beijing had 29, making the win nothing short of a miracle.
To win on the road, Guangdong needs sustained high-level play from Quinn and Hu Mingxuan, as well as scoring contributions from key players like Salinger, Xu Jie, Du Runwang, and Wang Shaojie. Cui Yongxi, who struggled since returning from injury this season, has averaged just 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in five playoff games—far below the level of Zeng Fanbo, and even behind veteran Zhang Haojia in terms of impact. In recent playoff games, Zhang Haojia has proven more effective, especially with his active defense and clutch shooting under pressure, exactly what Du Feng wants to see.
Quinn cannot maintain such high three-point efficiency every game, and Du Runwang’s outside shooting will not always be as consistent. However, Hu Mingxuan is a reliable option in critical moments, having performed well in all playoff games despite a somewhat sluggish regular season. Xu Jie shot 4-of-12 in the last game, including 0-of-7 from three, and fans hope for a bounce-back performance. Meanwhile, veteran imports Salinger and Rakocevic might step up in this decisive game, especially after team owner Chen reportedly handed out cash bonuses following the last win, providing a strong motivational boost.
Beijing Shougang’s deep and talented roster makes it nearly impossible for Guangdong to win on the road. Nevertheless, Du Feng and his players will give their all, striving for victory. The beauty of competitive sports lies in the fight and the belief that anything is possible before the final buzzer.
