The Beijing Royal Fighters were narrowly defeated by the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 19-16 in a low-scoring CBA preseason contest on March 23, 2026. The defensive battle was decided by a late surge from the visiting Golden Bulls, who managed to edge out a victory in a game that served as a crucial tune-up for both squads ahead of the regular season. The match was characterized by intense defensive pressure from the opening tip, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. The Royal Fighters held a slight lead through the early stages, but the Golden Bulls' persistence on defense and ability to capitalize on key transition opportunities in the final minutes proved decisive. A critical three-point play in the closing moments by Zhejiang ultimately sealed the three-point victory, highlighting the importance of execution in tight games. The result, while from a preseason fixture, provides valuable lessons for both coaching staffs regarding lineup combinations and late-game strategies. The low final score underscores the defensive focus both teams exhibited, with each side forcing numerous turnovers and contested shots. Post-game, the Royal Fighters' coach emphasized the need for better offensive flow, while the Zhejiang staff praised their team's defensive resilience and composure down the stretch. The starting lineups featured the core players for each franchise, using the game to build chemistry and assess fitness ahead of the demanding CBA campaign.