Hamed Haddadi (L, front) of Nanjing Monkey Kings breaks through the defense of Yi Jianlian of Guangdong Southern Tigers during a match between Guangdong Southern Tigers and Nanjing Monkey Kings at the 2019-2020 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)
QINGDAO, China, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Guangdong Southern Tigers saw off Nanjing Monkey Kings 131-106 on Thursday, renewing the winning streak record in a single season to 28 games in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league.
Hu Mingxuan and Sonny Weems led Guangdong players with 24 points each. Yi Jianlian finished with 10 points plus 11 rebounds. Joseph Young of Nanjing pocketed 48 points, five rebounds and seven assists.
Guangdong started with five Chinese players, leading an 8-4 spurt and followed by a 12-0 point dash at the beginning of the game. Nanjing trailed by 33-23 in the first quarter despite an outstanding overseas duo of Young and Hamed Haddadi.
Young brought Nanjing an 8-3 dash in the second quarter, handing Guangdong's point guard Zhao Rui three fouls in three minutes.
Nanjing turned the table with 4:30 remaining before the half break, and both sides tied 54-54 before the halftime buzzer.
Nanjing was thrown into a tough game in the third quarter, seeing their powerful rivals rebuild the lead to 92-83 going into the fourth.
The Monkey Kings failed to mount further resistance in the fourth quarter, seeing Guangdong grab the victory.
The CBA title favorites' win was cast a shadow by Zhao's sudden left foot injury before full time.
Guangdong's head coach Du Feng attributed his team's victory to solid defense and offensive efficiency throughout the match.
Guangdong is poised for a clash with the Beijing Ducks in the last round of the regular season on Sunday. Before facing the old rivals, Du was reluctant to express true intentions.
"I will put the suitable players on the court, trying to keep everyone in their best condition for the playoffs," he said. Enditem
