The decisive Game 3 of the CBA playoff series between Guangdong Southern Tigers and Beijing Ducks is set. The clash will take place on the evening of May 12 at the Wukesong Arena in Beijing. According to sources, the entire Guangdong squad has already arrived in the capital to begin preparations early. Notably, Guangdong’s owner, Chen, has also traveled with the team.
Before departure, owner Chen delivered an encouraging speech to boost morale. He also promised that if the team can secure a Game 3 victory and advance to the semifinals, the win bonuses for this season will be further increased. Guangdong reached the semifinals in the season when Zhou Qi joined, but were eliminated in the quarterfinals last year. Chen clearly hopes the team can return to the final four, so raising the bonuses is a material incentive to push the players harder.
Objectively speaking, Beijing currently holds an advantage in overall strength and roster depth. In Game 2 at home, Guangdong managed a narrow victory thanks to an explosive three-point shooting performance from Quinn, a full-effort display from Hu Mingxuan, four three-pointers from Du Runwang in hot form, and a miraculous dagger three from Zhang Haojia. Returning to Beijing for Game 3, Guangdong will once again enter as the underdog looking to challenge the hosts. Beijing, on the other hand, did not appear to play at full capacity in Game 2. Zhao Rui saw limited minutes, and the coaching staff failed to effectively contain Hu Mingxuan. In Game 3, Beijing is expected to unleash its complete arsenal, making it a tough test for Guangdong.
For Guangdong to win Game 3, it will not only depend on whether Quinn and Hu Mingxuan can deliver normal or even exceptional performances under Beijing’s targeted defense, but also on contributions from other key players like Xu Jie, Cui Yongxi, and the remaining three imports. Xu Jie, in particular, must rediscover his three-point shooting touch after going 0-for-6 from beyond the arc in Game 2—that is certainly not his true level. Regardless of the outcome, the team must stay united: win together, lose together. The hope is that Guangdong can leave everything on the court, embody the Guangdong spirit, and fight without regrets.
