SHANGHAI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Brandon Goodwin scored a buzzer-beater to help the Shanghai Sharks edge the Zhejiang Lions 91-88 at home on Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in the 2026 Chinese Basketball Association best-of-seven finals.
Despite a career-high 50-point explosion from Zhejiang's Barry Brown, his record-breaking night was ultimately spoiled by former NBA guard Goodwin, whose three-pointer lifted Shanghai to victory.
The Sharks surged ahead early, taking an 11-0 run to close the opening quarter with a 27-18 lead.
However, the visitors quickly answered back. Brown ignited a furious second-quarter rally, draining three consecutive three-pointers to drag the Lions back into contention and trim Shanghai's advantage to a mere point, 46-45, at halftime.
Zhejiang carried that momentum into the second half, launching an 8-0 run to open the third period. What followed was a see-saw battle, as both sides traded fierce baskets in a fast-paced second half.
With just 24 seconds remaining on the clock and the scoreboard locked at 88-88, the Lions held possession and a golden opportunity to steal the win. But following a strategic timeout, Zhejiang faltered under pressure. Goodwin pulled off a clutch steal from Brown and launched a stunning three-pointer to seal the victory.
Goodwin scored 31 points and added 11 assists for the Sharks, while Li Hongquan contributed 16 points and six rebounds.
Besides Brown, Hu Jinqiu scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Zhejiang.
Game 3 will be played in Hangzhou on Sunday. ■
