The Shenzhen Leopards earned a 95-83 home victory over the Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu in Chinese Basketball Association action on October 28, 2026, using a balanced offensive attack and a decisive second-half run to pull away at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre. The win moved the Leopards to a stronger position in the early CBA standings, while Shanxi were left to rue a stretch of turnovers and cold shooting in the third quarter.

Game recap

Shenzhen opened the game with energy on both ends, attacking the paint early and forcing Shanxi into contested jump shots. The first quarter was tight, with both teams trading baskets and neither side able to build a significant lead. Shenzhen led 23-21 after the opening period, thanks largely to their work on the offensive glass and a few timely transition baskets.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu found some rhythm from beyond the arc, using ball screens to create open looks for their guards. But Shenzhen’s bench provided a spark, and the Leopards took a 48-43 advantage into halftime. The margin felt fragile, and the third quarter loomed as the decisive stretch.

That decisive stretch arrived early in the second half. Shenzhen opened the third quarter with a 12-2 run, fueled by aggressive perimeter defense and quick outlets into transition. The Leopards turned Shanxi’s turnovers into easy points and suddenly led by double digits. Shanxi tried to respond with three-point shooting, but Shenzhen’s rotations were sharp, and the hosts carried a 73-64 lead into the final period.

Shanxi made one last push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to seven with under six minutes remaining. But Shenzhen answered with a composed possession-by-possession finish, converting free throws and getting key stops when they needed them. The Leopards closed the game on a 10-4 run to secure the 95-83 win.

Key moments

• Third-quarter surge: Shenzhen’s 12-2 run to open the second half turned a five-point halftime lead into a comfortable cushion.
• Defensive rebounding: The Leopards limited Shanxi’s second-chance opportunities in the fourth quarter, forcing the visitors into one-and-done possessions.
• Free-throw execution: Shenzhen knocked down their free throws late, preventing Shanxi from extending the game with fouls.

Tactical story

Shenzhen’s game plan was built on paint touches and defensive pressure. The Leopards repeatedly attacked the basket off high ball screens, forcing Shanxi’s big men to help and creating open kick-out opportunities. Defensively, Shenzhen switched aggressively on the perimeter and dared Shanxi’s secondary ball handlers to make plays. That strategy worked especially well in the third quarter, when Shanxi’s offense became stagnant and turnovers piled up.

Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu had success when they played with pace and moved the ball side to side. Their best stretches came when they generated open threes in transition and attacked closeouts. But the visitors struggled to sustain that rhythm against Shenzhen’s physical defense, and their half-court offense too often ended in contested shots late in the clock.

Standout performers

Shenzhen’s backcourt controlled the tempo, combining for efficient scoring and timely playmaking. The Leopards’ frontcourt also made a major impact on the glass, winning the rebounding battle and creating extra possessions. Shanxi’s guards fought hard and kept the visitors within striking distance, but the team’s shooting cooled at the wrong moment.

Standings impact

The 95-83 result gives Shenzhen Leopards a valuable home win in CBA play and reinforces their credentials as a team capable of defending its floor. For Shanxi Loongs Fenjiu, the loss is a reminder that road games in the CBA demand consistent execution for 40 minutes. Both teams will take lessons from the matchup as the season progresses, but Shenzhen will be the happier side after a composed and physical performance.