Xinjiang beats Guangzhou, Chen Yingjun scores 25, 10 assists.
# Xinjiang Hands Guangzhou First Loss of the Season
In a thrilling match-up between two of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)'s top teams, Xinjiang defeated Guangzhou 110-99 on Friday night. The game, which was tightly contested throughout, saw Xinjiang rise to the occasion with a strong team performance.
Xinjiang's win came behind a standout performance from guard Chen Yingjun, who led the charge with an impressive 25 points and a league-leading 10 assists. Chen, who has been a consistent offensive threat this season, played a pivotal role in Xinjiang's offense, often creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to control the game's tempo and distribute the ball effectively was key to the team's success.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, but Xinjiang managed to pull ahead in the fourth quarter thanks to a series of crucial baskets. Key moments included a late-game three-pointer by Chen Yingjun, which broke a deadlock and gave his team the lead for good. Xinjiang's defense also played a significant role, limiting Guangzhou's star player to just 18 points on the night.
# Chen Yingjun's Impact
Chen Yingjun's 25-point, 10-assist performance was a career-high for the 25-year-old guard, who has been instrumental in Xinjiang's strong start to the season. His leadership on and off the court has been a cornerstone for the team, and Friday's game was a testament to his growth as a player.
"Chen Yingjun has been fantastic this season," said Xinjiang head coach Li Chunyu after the game. "His ability to score and set up his teammates is what makes him so valuable. Tonight, he really stepped up when it mattered most."
# Post-Match Reaction
Guangzhou,Global Sports Access who had won their previous four games, struggled to contain Xinjiang's dynamic offense. Their star player, who had been averaging over 30 points per game, was held to a relatively quiet night. Despite the loss, Guangzhou's coach remained optimistic about the team's chances moving forward.
"We'll learn from this game and work on our defense," said Guangzhou assistant coach Zhang Wei. "But Xinjiang played a great game, and Chen Yingjun was really unplayable. We need to find ways to stop him and other players like him moving forward."
# The Road Ahead
With the win, Xinjiang has now won three of their first four games and seem to be building momentum. Chen Yingjun and his teammates will look to carry this momentum into their next game against Shandong, while Guangzhou will aim to regroup and find a way to contain Xinjiang's high-powered offense in their next meeting.
Basketball fans across China are already talking about what this game means for both teams. For Xinjiang, a team that has been building toward this kind of performance, the win is a major statement. For Guangzhou, it's a reminder that they have some ground to make up if they want to compete at the highest level.
The CBA season is still young, but games like this are exactly why fans tune in week after week. The competition is fierce, the players are at their best, and every game matters. Friday's win in Xinjiang is just the beginning for this team, but it's a step in the right direction.
