NBA G League United Cruise Past Beijing Royal Fighters 119-89 in FIBA Intercontinental Cup

Beijing Royal Fighters 89, NBA G League United 119 — NBA G League United produced a commanding 119-89 victory over the Beijing Royal Fighters in FIBA Intercontinental Cup action on September 23, 2026. The 30-point margin was built on relentless pace, deep shooting, and a decisive second-half surge that turned a competitive opening into a one-sided result.

Played at 7:30 p.m. local time, the game offered a fascinating contrast in styles: Beijing’s structured half-court attack against the athletic, transition-heavy approach of the NBA G League select side. For long stretches of the first quarter, the Royal Fighters looked capable of matching their opponent. But as the game wore on, NBA G League United’s depth and defensive pressure became overwhelming.

Match Overview

NBA G League United set the tone early with aggressive on-ball defense and quick outlet passes. The visitors pushed the tempo whenever possible, forcing Beijing into early shot-clock situations. Still, the Royal Fighters kept the game within reach through smart pick-and-roll play and timely three-point shooting. The first quarter ended with United ahead 28-24.

The second quarter is where the game began to tilt. NBA G League United used a 14-2 run midway through the period to stretch its lead into double figures. Beijing’s offense stalled against switching defenses, and United converted several live-ball turnovers into easy fast-break points. By halftime, the score stood at 58-44 in favor of NBA G League United.

The third quarter turned the contest into a rout. United opened the second half with a 12-3 burst, pushing the advantage past 20 points. Beijing tried to respond with zone defense and a bigger lineup, but United’s ball movement and outside shooting punished every adjustment. Heading into the fourth, the visitors led 90-67. The final period was largely academic, with both benches seeing extended minutes as NBA G League United closed out a 119-89 win.

Key Moments

• Second-quarter separation: A 14-2 run over a three-minute stretch gave NBA G League United a lead it would never surrender.
• Third-quarter knockout: United began the second half with a 12-3 surge, effectively ending Beijing’s hopes of a comeback.
• Bench advantage: NBA G League United’s reserves outscored Beijing’s bench by a wide margin, maintaining intensity even after the starters rested.
• Transition dominance: United scored 24 fast-break points, repeatedly turning defensive stops into quick baskets.

Tactical Story

NBA G League United’s defensive game plan was clear: pressure the ball, switch screens, and force Beijing’s guards into contested decisions. The approach worked. Beijing finished with 18 turnovers, many of which came in the backcourt and led directly to transition points. United also controlled the glass, holding a 48-36 rebounding advantage and limiting second-chance opportunities.

Offensively, NBA G League United spread the floor with four and five shooters, opening driving lanes for its athletic wings. The team shot 17-of-40 from three-point range and 44-of-80 overall, consistently beating Beijing’s closeouts. Beijing, meanwhile, shot just 9-of-32 from beyond the arc and struggled to generate clean looks when United switched every screen.

The Royal Fighters’ best stretches came when they slowed the game and attacked the paint through their big men. But those moments were too infrequent. United’s ability to dictate pace proved to be the defining factor.

Standout Players

NBA G League United’s backcourt set the tone, combining for 43 points and repeatedly breaking down Beijing’s defense off the dribble. A versatile wing added 18 points and 11 rebounds, while the bench contributed 42 points in a complete team effort. The visitors also recorded 28 assists on 44 made field goals, highlighting their unselfish ball movement.

For Beijing, the import guard was the most reliable offensive option, scoring 22 points and keeping the Royal Fighters within striking distance early. The starting center added 14 points and 9 rebounds, while a young forward chipped in 12 points. But Beijing’s supporting cast struggled against United’s length and athleticism, and the team’s outside shooting never found a consistent rhythm.

FIBA Intercontinental Cup Impact

The result is a significant one in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup standings and point-differential calculations. NBA G League United strengthened its position with a statement win, showing why the select side is considered one of the most dangerous teams in the competition. For Beijing Royal Fighters, the loss is a tough lesson against elite transition basketball, but it also provides clear f