Guangzhou Loong Lions 91-90 Beijing Royal Fighters: Chen Yu Seals One-Point Thriller

Guangzhou Loong Lions edged Beijing Royal Fighters 91-90 in a tense Chinese Basketball Association matchup, with a late go-ahead basket and a final defensive stand deciding the game. The one-point result gives Guangzhou a valuable win in the CBA standings and leaves Beijing ruing a missed opportunity on the road.

Match overview

The game was close throughout, with neither team leading by more than six points in the second half. Guangzhou held a 24-22 edge after the first quarter, but Beijing responded to lead 46-45 at halftime. Guangzhou regained control with a 22-20 third quarter and held on in a 24-24 fourth. Quarter scores: 24-22, 21-24, 22-20, 24-24. The lead changed hands multiple times in the final two minutes, setting up a dramatic finish.

Key moments

With 18 seconds remaining, Beijing led 90-89 after a contested jump shot. Guangzhou called timeout and went to Chen Yu, who attacked the lane off a high screen and finished a tough layup with 6.8 seconds left. Beijing had one final chance, but a well-contested three-pointer from the wing rimmed out as the buzzer sounded. Earlier, Guangzhou’s 7-0 run late in the third quarter had given them a cushion, while Beijing’s offensive rebounding kept them alive in the fourth.

Tactical story

Guangzhou’s offense was built around pick-and-roll basketball and quick ball reversals, creating clean looks from beyond the arc. They shot the three well and used their spacing to open driving lanes for Chen Yu. Beijing countered with a physical interior approach, attacking the offensive glass and drawing fouls. The tactical battle tightened in the fourth, when both teams switched more aggressively and forced isolation possessions. Guangzhou’s ability to execute in the final possession proved the difference.

Standout players

Chen Yu led Guangzhou with 24 points and six assists, including the decisive layup. Marcus Hall added 18 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Loong Lions a strong inside-outside balance. Beijing’s Wang Zixuan finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Jordan Reed contributed 20 points in a losing effort. Beijing’s backcourt handled pressure well for most of the night but could not convert the final shot.

Season impact

The win is a meaningful boost for Guangzhou in the CBA standings and a confidence-builder in close games. For Beijing, the loss stings because the Royal Fighters controlled stretches of the second half and had a chance to steal the result. The head-to-head edge now belongs to Guangzhou, and the one-point margin could prove relevant if playoff seeding is decided late in the season.