The Guangdong team suffered a crushing 15-point defeat against Beijing in the third game of the CBA quarterfinals, losing 73-88 and being eliminated from the playoffs.
Guangdong only played well in the first quarter, leading by six points. However, they lost 11 points in the second quarter, trailing by five at halftime. Beijing controlled the game in the second half, extending the lead to double digits after Guangdong briefly closed the gap to one point.
Three factors were blamed for Guangdong’s poor performance. Forward Zhang Haojia played 20 minutes and 41 seconds, scoring just 3 points on 1-of-3 shooting with 2 turnovers and 4 fouls, posting a team-worst plus-minus of -13. Guard Xu Jie was scoreless in 16 minutes and 55 seconds, missing all three shots while recording 0 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Head coach Du Feng also faced criticism for his lineup decisions, notably leaving talented players like Jiao Boqiao and Cui Yongxi on the bench while relying on underperforming players. Many fans now speculate that Du Feng could be dismissed this summer after Guangdong’s record investment failed to yield a top-four finish.
In the CBA quarterfinals third match, Guangdong played away against Beijing. After four quarters, Guangdong lost 73-88, suffering a 15-point defeat. This eliminated Guangdong from the playoffs and denied them a spot in the semifinals. Beijing advanced to face Shanghai for a place in the CBA Finals.
Looking at the game, Guangdong only performed well in the first quarter, winning by six points. But in the second quarter, they lost 11 points, ending the half trailing by five. In the second half, Beijing controlled the tempo. Although Guangdong once cut the deficit to one point, Beijing pulled away with a scoring run, extending the lead to over 10 points and sealing the outcome.
So why did Guangdong lose? Analysis points to three individuals whose poor play cost the team dearly.
1. Forward Zhang Haojia, a key wing player, was almost invisible or even a negative factor. In 20 minutes and 41 seconds, he made just 1 of 3 shots for 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 4 fouls. His plus-minus of -13 was the worst on the team. Clearly, Zhang was a burden for Guangdong.
2. Guard Xu Jie, a starting backcourt player, had a shocking performance. He missed all three field goal attempts and scored zero points. Du Feng eventually benched him for long stretches. Xu played 16 minutes and 55 seconds, finishing with 0 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. If Xu had contributed offensively, the outcome might have been different.
3. Head coach Du Feng also drew criticism for his puzzling rotation. High-level acquisitions like Jiao Boqiao and Cui Yongxi were barely used, while Du kept relying on Zhang Haojia and Wang Shaojie. Frankly, Du Feng bears primary responsibility for Guangdong’s underwhelming season.
This season, Guangdong invested a record amount, yet couldn’t even reach the semifinals. Such results are unlikely to satisfy owner Chen Haitao. Many fans predict Du Feng will be fired this summer.
