BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- After eight rounds of the 2024-2025 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League regular season, Zhejiang, Beijing and Shanxi are leading the standings, each with a 7-1 record.
The Beijing Ducks, rebounding from a tough loss to Jilin, regained their form with a 113-97 home win over the Ningbo Rockets. Star guard Chen Yingjun sat out due to injury, but veteran Fang Shuo started and stepped up with eight points, 12 assists, and just one turnover in 24 minutes. Anunwa Omot added efficient firepower with 18 points, displaying promising synergy with the team. Young talent Zeng Fanbo also impressed with 22 points, including a standout 14-point fourth quarter, showing his progression since last season.
Shangxi's 108-105 victory over the Nanjing Monkey Kings wasn't easy despite Nanjing's top swingman Guo Haowen being ejected. Struggling with 3-point shooting (16%) and 18 turnovers, Shanxi relied on Zhang Ning's 17 fourth-quarter points. China's 3x3 basketball national team captain contributed 25 points and five rebounds to secure the win.
The Zhejiang Lions cruised past the Jiangsu Dragons 100-70 in what might be their easiest game of the season's first window. All 12 players took to the court, with Hu Jinqiu leading the Lions with 17 points and Sun Minghui adding a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists.
In other games, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls handed the Shanghai Sharks another loss 106-93, while the Qingdao Eagles overcame the Liaoning Flying Leopards 96-79, aided by Yang Hansen's 17 points and nine rebounds. The Fujian Sturgeons grabbed their first season win over Jilin 133-119. The Guangzhou Loong Lions edged out the Shenzhen Aviators 108-101, while the Beijing Royal Fighters defeated the Tianjin Pioneers 117-99. The Guangdong Southern Tigers ended the Sichuan Blue Whales' two-game winning streak with a close 105-100 victory, and Zhao Rui scored eight points to help the Xinjiang Flying Tigers beat the Shandong Heroes 105-87, in his second game back from injury. ■
