Liaoning lead title contenders into CBA playoffs

Tianjin Pioneers forward David James' pivotal block in overtime both ended the Guangdong Southern Tigers' 12-game winning streak and marked the end of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league's regular season on Saturday.

While it's premature to forecast the eventual champions, a look back at the regular season can provide clues about the contenders and their chances before the awards are handed out.

Eric Moreland (C) of Liaoning Flying Leopards breaks through during the 48th round match between Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Liaoning Flying Leopards at 2023-2024 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

The top four teams, led by the Liaoning Flying Leopards, bypassed the first round of the playoffs to directly enter the quarterfinals, making them strong candidates for the championship.

Liaoning finished atop the regular season standings with a 43-9 record, maintaining their form despite the early-season loss of veteran guard Guo Ailun to injury. The team's core - Zhao Jiwei, Zhang Zhenlin, Kyle Fogg, and Eric Moreland - proved formidable, and the experienced duo of 36-year-old Han Dejun and 33-year-old Li Xiaoxu showed they still have plenty to offer in their 17th seasons. Notably, Liaoning's younger players, including Yan Shouqi, Li Huyi, and Zhang Junhao, have quickly developed, providing valuable support.

Securing second place were the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, with a 41-11 record under coach Qiu Biao. They returned to the playoffs after a two-year absence, overcoming the season-long absence of key guard Zhao Rui.

Abdusalam Abdurexit led Xinjiang, becoming an MVP contender with averages of 19.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Alongside Qi Lin, who averaged 17.9 points, they formed a formidable front line. The team boasted the league's deepest bench in the paint, featuring Wu Guanxi, Zhu Xuhang, and mid-season addition Li Yanzhe.

However, the team's prospects may be affected by Zhao's potential absence. Without him, Xinjiang will rely on newcomers Lindell Wigginton and Mitchell Creek.

Third place was the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, last season's runner-up, who finished the regular season on a 12-game winning streak.

Known for their shooting prowess, the Golden Bulls led the league with 26.7 assists per game, maximizing their scoring efficiency. The team, featuring top shooter Cheng Shuaipeng, Wu Qian, Carlik Jones, and Jarmar Gulley, remains a strong contender for the title.

Guangdong, a former champion, successfully navigated a rebuilding season to finish with 37 wins and 15 losses. Coached by Du Feng, the team's blend of local talent and foreign players like Tremont Waters, Clarence Weems, and Jordan Bell could prove challenging for opponents. Young players such as Zhang Mingchi and Zhang Haojia provided depth throughout the regular season.

Dark horses may emerge among other playoff teams as some young players have showcased their strength in the regular season.

Yang Hansen, the 18-year-old NBA prospect, averaged 15.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists to almost secure the Rookie of the Year award, lifting the Qingdao Eagles to seventh place. The 2.18-meter-tall center could either pose threats to the rim or connect with his teammates, including one of the league's most improved shooters, Wang Ruize.

The Beijing Ducks also saw forward Zeng Fanbo's improvement. Even though Zeng wasn't coach Giulio Griccioli's first choice in offense, his talent didn't lie, and what he needs now is to keep working on offense with the ball. Considering veteran forward Zhai Xiaochuan's physical condition, Zeng might shoulder more tasks in the playoffs.

It was a fruitful season for the Beijing Royal Fighters, who will make their second playoff appearance in team history. Coach Min Lulei brought strict discipline to the team, which had a significant impact on promising stars Liao Sanning and Chen Guohao, and it won't be a surprise if the Royal Fighters survived the playoffs' first round.

People shall not count out the fifth-placed Zhejiang Lions despite their star guard Sun Minghui being injured since March 21. Sun clinched an average of 21 points, 10.6 assists and 2.4 steals in his 40 appearances, topping each category among domestic players. His comeback remains unclear, but Hu Jinqiu and Jahlil Okafor are always big threats in the paint.