Last night, Shanxi hosted Zhejiang in the CBA playoffs, hoping to leverage home-court advantage. But the final score was 81-86, a five-point loss that tied the series 1-1.
This season’s CBA quarterfinals have shifted to a best-of-three format, unlike the previous best-of-five. With the loss in Game 2, Shanxi now faces immense pressure.
The most heated moment came when Zhejiang’s Sampson argued with the referees. Late in the third quarter, after a defensive stop, he felt a foul was missed. He yelled and gestured at the officials, earning a technical foul. Under the latest CBA rules, such disrespectful conduct toward referees results in an automatic T, and severe violations can lead to league fines. Last season, an import was ejected and fined for similar behavior. While Sampson avoided ejection this time, the call disrupted Zhejiang’s rhythm.
Zhejiang’s victory wasn’t just about three-point shooting—their defensive strategy was key. They used a combination of zone defense and interior double-teams to lock down Shanxi’s star import, Diallo, limiting him to just 18 points. For Shanxi, Zhang Ning fought hard, grabbing eight rebounds and diving for loose balls, but the team’s overall offense struggled. They shot just 3 of 10 from three-point range. When Diallo was contained, no other player stepped up to score.
Home-court advantage quickly turned into a psychological burden for Shanxi. With the best-of-three format, the higher seed Shanxi had home games for the first two matchups. After a draw in Game 1 and a loss in Game 2, they must now travel to Zhejiang for the decisive games. The pressure is immense. Home crowds can boost players, but they also add fear of disappointing fans. Shanxi’s players seemed tense, especially on offense, shooting poorly from deep.
Zhejiang, meanwhile, thrived on the road. Zhu Junlong knocked down multiple three-pointers and played with confidence. On the sidelines, Sun Minghui constantly directed teammates and called plays—his composure was reminiscent of a veteran coach. This kind of leadership is crucial for Zhejiang’s success in adjusting tactics and maintaining poise.
The series now shifts to Zhejiang’s home court for Game 3, the pivotal “Battle for the Decisive Game.” Whoever wins takes control of the series. Shanxi must adjust their offensive approach, reduce reliance on Diallo, and get contributions from domestic players. Zhejiang needs to sustain their defensive intensity and three-point shooting.
Regardless of the outcome, this game highlighted the drama of the CBA playoffs—player effort, tactical battles, and the nuances of the league. Fans debated calls, player performances, and the impact of home-court advantage. The league continues to evolve, and this series offers a glimpse into its competitive level. Hopefully, both teams will deliver an exciting Game 3, and the CBA will keep refining its officiating and management for a better fan experience.
