In Game 3 of the CBA playoffs’ first round, Guangdong was defeated 88-73 on the road by Beijing, losing the series 1-2 and being eliminated. However, the team that may be most anxious after Guangdong’s exit is Shanghai. Many expected Guangdong to carry momentum from their Game 2 buzzer-beater and overtake Beijing on the road to advance. Now that Beijing has secured a semifinal spot, Shanghai faces a tougher opponent than they had hoped for.
The Guangdong-Beijing series was arguably the most thrilling matchup of the CBA playoffs. Despite being underdogs before the series due to roster disparities—especially in the frontcourt, where Guangdong was clearly outclassed—Beijing swept the two regular-season meetings. Analysts predicted a clean sweep in the first round, but the actual games were far from easy.
Beijing won Game 1 by just 8 points, then lost Game 2 in overtime after a Guangdong buzzer-beater. In Game 3, Beijing trailed by 10 points in the first half before rallying. Guangdong’s poor three-point shooting in the second half and a short rotation that led to fatigue in the fourth quarter sealed their fate. As coach Du Feng noted after the game, the team had no regrets fighting a title contender to a decisive game, especially with top scorer Samuna injured.
Guangdong’s elimination leaves Shanghai in a bind. When the series was tied 1-1, Shanghai preferred a Guangdong victory—not out of friendship, but because they felt they could handle Guangdong with ease. Shanghai swept Guangdong 3-0 in the regular season, including a 40-point blowout, and sought revenge after Guangdong knocked them out last season.
In contrast, Beijing presents a far more dangerous opponent. Despite losing to Shanghai in the regular season, Beijing’s interior strength and bench depth make them a legitimate threat. A lineup featuring Zhou Qi, Zeng Fanbo, Zhao Rui, Chen Yingjun, and Germann could match up well against Shanghai, especially in the fourth quarter. Between Guangdong and Beijing, Shanghai clearly wanted the former, but now they must prepare for a much tougher semifinal battle.