SHANGHAI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 Chinese Basketball Association Finals tipped off on Tuesday with the Shanghai Sharks defeating the Zhejiang Lions 101-90 at home to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.
Former NBA guard Brandon Goodwin starred for Shanghai with a dominant all-around display, finishing with 34 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists.
The teams exchanged blows throughout a tightly contested opening quarter before Shanghai edged ahead 29-27 after the first 12 minutes. The Sharks maintained their offensive rhythm in the second quarter and gradually stretched their advantage, taking a 54-48 lead into halftime.
Shanghai opened the third quarter with a strong scoring run that pushed its lead into double digits and forced Zhejiang to call a timeout. The visitors responded well after the break and slowly reduced the deficit, but the Sharks still carried a 79-72 advantage into the final period.
Zhejiang attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter as both sides traded baskets in an intense finish, but the Lions struggled from the field late in the game. Shanghai controlled the tempo down the stretch and closed out the 11-point victory.
Li Tianrong added 16 points for the Sharks, while Li Hongquan contributed 12 points and five rebounds.
Barry Brown led Zhejiang with 23 points and seven assists. Hu Jinqiu recorded 18 points and seven rebounds, while Rayjon Tucker finished with 15 points and six rebounds.
Game 2 will be played in Shanghai on Thursday. ■
