Jiangsu Dragons Kentier Stun Nanjing Monkey Kings 95-93 in CBA Thriller

Jiangsu Dragons Kentier escaped with a 95-93 road win over Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association on November 3, 2026, thanks to a late go-ahead basket and a final defensive stand. The two-point margin was fitting for a game that featured 12 lead changes and neither team leading by more than eight.

Match Overview

Nanjing opened with a 24-23 first quarter, but Jiangsu responded to take a 47-45 halftime lead. The third quarter swung back to Nanjing, 26-22, giving the home side a two-point cushion entering the fourth. The final period was a back-and-forth affair, with Jiangsu outscoring Nanjing 23-21 to steal the win.

Both teams shot well from the field, but Jiangsu’s edge at the free-throw line and their ability to score in the final minute proved decisive. Nanjing had a chance to win at the buzzer, but a contested three-pointer rimmed out.

How the Game Turned

Trailing 91-90 with 40 seconds left, Jiangsu ran a high pick-and-roll that forced Nanjing to switch. Their guard attacked the mismatch and hit a step-back jumper to give Jiangsu a one-point lead. After a Nanjing timeout, Jiangsu’s defense forced a difficult fadeaway, secured the rebound, and added two free throws.

Nanjing had one last possession with 4.2 seconds remaining, but their three-point attempt from the wing was well contested. The miss sealed a dramatic win for the visitors.

Standout Performances

• Jiangsu’s lead guard scored 28 points, including the go-ahead jumper, and added 6 assists.
• Jiangsu’s center recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds, holding his own in the paint.
• Nanjing’s power forward led the home side with 25 points and 9 rebounds.
• Nanjing’s point guard contributed 18 points and 10 assists but committed a costly turnover in the final minute.

Tactical Story

Jiangsu’s offense was built on ball screens and dribble penetration, forcing Nanjing into constant help rotations. That approach created open corner threes and offensive rebounds. Defensively, Jiangsu packed the paint and challenged Nanjing’s guards to shoot over length, which worked well in the closing minutes.

Nanjing’s game plan focused on pace and three-point volume. They found success in transition but struggled to execute in the half-court when Jiangsu slowed the tempo. The late-game isolation possessions favored Jiangsu’s more experienced shot-makers.

Season Impact

This is a significant road win for Jiangsu Dragons Kentier in the CBA standings, giving them a head-to-head advantage over a direct competitor. For Nanjing, the loss is a painful one, but the performance confirmed their competitiveness in tight games. Both teams will need to build on the lessons from a contest decided by the smallest of margins.

Jiangsu will look to carry their late-game poise into the next fixture, while Nanjing must sharpen their execution in the final two minutes.