The CBA playoffs are heading into a do-or-die Game 3 between Guangdong and Beijing on May 12, with the loser packing their bags. After dropping Game 2, many expected a tense atmosphere in Guangdong’s camp, but the team’s closed-door practice sessions told a different story. Head coach Du Feng was smiling throughout, sparking curiosity about where his confidence comes from.
Hu Mingxuan was the first to catch the eye, moving lightly and smiling even as he practiced drives. His confidence was palpable. In Game 2, he erupted for 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, solidifying himself as the team’s most reliable scorer. Known for rising to the occasion, Hu averages 18.6 points in playoff elimination games with a near-50% clutch shooting rate. The only concern is his stamina; he was visibly exhausted in the second half of Game 2, and Beijing is sure to apply full-court pressure on him in Game 3.
In contrast, Xu Jie spent the entire practice session camped beyond the three-point line, hoisting shot after shot and adjusting his form after each miss. After going cold from deep in Game 2, his accuracy is critical for spacing the floor. Known for his resilience, Xu Jie has a habit of working through slumps with sheer volume in practice. If he can shake off the mental block and knock down triples, it will relieve scoring pressure on Hu Mingxuan.
There was an exhilarating moment when Xu Jie delivered a pinpoint pass to Cui Yongxi cutting to the basket, resulting in an alley-oop dunk followed by a celebratory high-five. Cui Yongxi has been a key development for Guangdong this season, emerging as a crucial wing player. Though Game 2 was just average for him, his athleticism and physicality are a constant headache for Beijing’s perimeter defenders. This is his first playoff elimination game, so inexperience could be a factor, but his strong practice suggests he’s ready to unleash his explosiveness.
The biggest question mark remains the team’s four foreign players. In Game 2, they combined for only 32 points—13 points below their regular-season average—far from enough to win a must-win game. In practice, each import worked on their specific shortcomings. Sallinger and Laco focused on finishing around the rim to address inside struggles. Quinn worked on driving and finishing after a strong but inconsistent Game 2. McCall spent time finding his stroke from deep, eager to prove himself after a quiet outing.
Sallinger, a traditional big man with solid back-to-the-basket skills, is nonetheless 34 and showing signs of decline. Some fans believe he has relaxed after signing a fully guaranteed contract. Laco, a last-minute addition at 2.11m, is reliable for rim protection and finishing off feeds but cannot create his own shot. Quinn can handle the ball and defend multiple positions with a 7.3% steal rate, yet lacks the explosive burst needed to break through full-court pressure. McCall is a hidden gem with straight-line speed and a nose for cuts; he scored a playoff-high 21 points late in the regular season and has extra motivation with his children born in China. His main weakness is inconsistent perimeter shooting, making him less effective in half-court sets where he can’t get started.
Du Feng understands the challenge and scheduled extra scrimmages combining imports with local players to build chemistry. Beijing boasts strong wings in Zhai Xiaochuan and Fang Shuo, plus formidable interior defense. If the imports continue playing individually, they won’t withstand the pressure. Known for his tactical acumen—such as using a twin-tower scheme in the comeback series against Guangzhou and a zone defense in the decisive game—Du will likely deploy surprises. He may run high pick-and-rolls between Quinn and Sallinger to create driving lanes, or use McCall’s speed on weak-side cuts. If he can blend the four imports’ distinct skill sets into a cohesive unit, breaking Beijing’s defense is achievable.
After the team huddle at practice’s end, Du Feng’s smile was the biggest indication of satisfaction with the players’ readiness. This is a coach famous for innovative adjustments that often work against opponents. The May 12 showdown will reveal if Guangdong’s preparation pays off against a formidable Beijing side. The game promises to be a hard-fought battle until the final whistle.