As the CBA playoffs intensify, Shenzhen and Shanghai have advanced to the semifinals, but all eyes are on the decisive Game 3 between Beijing and Guangdong on May 12. After swapping home courts, Beijing now enjoys home-court advantage and a favorable schedule. As a championship contender, their roster strength gives them a clear edge to eliminate Guangdong.
Beijing’s performance in Game 2 was lackluster, culminating in a last-second loss that denied them a sweep. This year’s quarterfinal series, reduced to a best-of-three format, has injected more drama and suspense into the playoffs. Despite Guangdong’s aggressive offseason additions, their championship hopes have dimmed as the season progressed. In contrast, Beijing boasts a deep lineup, having reached the finals last year and made big-name acquisitions. Falling short of the finals would be a disappointment, though not necessarily a failure.
For the do-or-die Game 3, Beijing must address three critical areas. First, three-point shooting accuracy. In Game 1, Beijing shot lights out from beyond the arc, hitting 16 of 29 attempts (over 50%), a key factor in their comfortable win. Guangdong, meanwhile, made only 11 of 34 threes in that game. But Game 2 saw roles reversed: Guangdong thrived at home, hitting 19 of 41 three-pointers (close to 50%), while Beijing started cold from deep, a major reason for the last-second defeat. To advance, Beijing’s perimeter shooters must rediscover their touch in their familiar home arena.
Second, interior dominance. With elite big men like Zhou Qi and McGee, Beijing must improve offensive efficiency inside. Their height and skill outmatch Guangdong’s frontcourt of Wang Shaojie and Sallinger. McGie delivered solid numbers in Game 1 but struggled with poor decision-making in Game 2, hurting the team’s flow. Zhou Qi also failed to impose his will. Beijing needs better pick-and-roll execution between guards and bigs, fully utilizing their twin towers. While Beijing has won the rebounding battle in both games, their interior scoring has to be more aggressive and impactful, wearing down the opponent and not squandering their advantage.
Third, player resurgence. Zhao Rui, a former star guard, has been quiet offensively in the first two games, taking just seven shots combined. His scoring threat—whether driving or shooting—can pressure Guangdong significantly. Against his old team, he should be more aggressive and not hesitate. Meanwhile, Zeng Fanbo was a hero in Game 1 but underwhelming in Game 2. He missed crucial open three-pointers in the fourth quarter and a key offensive miscommunication with Zhou Qi, leading to a turnover. After scoring 23 points in Game 1, he managed only three in Game 2. If he can regain his shooting touch, Beijing’s offense will flow much better. With no room for error, Zeng must step up in this must-win contest.
