In the CBA playoff quarterfinal matchup last night, Shenzhen avenged last season’s heartbreak by defeating Zhejiang 95-91 on the road, completing a 2-0 series sweep to book their spot in the semifinals for the first time in three seasons.
The game saw Zhejiang take an early lead in the first quarter through interior dominance, but Shenzhen rallied in the third quarter with hot outside shooting to tie and eventually take control. The final score reflected a hard-fought battle, with Shenzhen’s experience and composure proving decisive.
This victory carries deep significance for Shenzhen. Last season, they held a 2-1 series lead against Zhejiang before being forced to a Game 5, where Cheng Shuai Peng’s buzzer-beating three-pointer in Game 4 and his game-winning layup in Game 5 sealed Shenzhen’s fate with a 91-90 defeat. The memory of that loss lingered, but this year’s Shenzhen team showed remarkable growth.
Veteran Zhou Peng played a crucial role, not only with key scoring but also by guiding younger players during timeouts. Shen Zijie effectively neutralized Zhejiang’s twin towers, and He Xining calmly sank critical free throws down the stretch. Despite some controversial calls, Shenzhen’s overall performance earned them the victory.
With a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series, Shenzhen’s probability of advancing is historically over 96%. This win also broke Zhejiang’s unbeaten playoff streak against Shenzhen, finally releasing the pent-up frustration from last season. After the game, Cheng Shuai Peng embraced Shen Zijie, showing mutual respect despite the loss.
The matchup reflects the evolving landscape of the CBA, where traditional powerhouses are being challenged by emerging teams. Shenzhen’s journey from last season’s disappointment to this year’s triumph demonstrates the value of patience and tactical refinement. Players like Zhou Peng, now in his 34th year, are transitioning into leadership roles that could pave the way for coaching careers, similar to former players like Wang Bo and Liu Weiwei.
Shenzhen now awaits the winner of the Guangsha-Shanxi series, with the first semifinal scheduled for May 15. Regardless of the final outcome, Shenzhen has already delivered a compelling story of redemption and growth, highlighting the improving competitiveness of the CBA.
