Guangzhou Beats Guangdong to Take 1–0 Lead

The CBA playoffs opened with Guangdong hosting Guangzhou. Guangdong grabbed the early initiative and led 25–20 after the first quarter, but its offense stalled in the second, managing just 12 points in the period as Guangzhou capitalized to seize the advantage.

In the second quarter, Xu Xin suffered an unexpected right-ankle sprain. The issue was not serious, and he returned to the game after receiving treatment. Cui Yongxi did not play in the first half.

After the break, Xu Jie scored five straight points to cut the gap to two. A pair of attacks to the rim by Cui Yongxi and a fast-break finish from Quinn helped Guangdong move in front. Out of a timeout, Guangzhou regrouped, and Xu Xin continued to assert himself around the basket to put Guangzhou back ahead. Wigginton later took a knock to the knee on a drive and had to head to the bench.

Guangzhou carried its interior edge into the fourth quarter and controlled the tempo. Over the first seven minutes of the final period, Guangzhou went on a 21–8 surge while Guangdong’s scoring efficiency dropped sharply. With roughly three minutes left, Wigginton kept delivering as Guangzhou’s lead grew to more than 20.

Guangzhou pulled Xu Xin in the final two minutes and saw out a 93–76 victory. Guangzhou now leads the series 1–0 and has taken match point, with the next game set to be played at Guangzhou’s home court. Xu Xin recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Wigginton finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and nine assists—near a triple-double. Guangzhou had six players score in double figures, while Guangdong had three.

Guangdong lost the rebounding battle 34–49. Guangzhou also held a major edge in free-throw attempts, 30–8.