In the 2026 CBA playoffs Game 3 between Guangdong and Beijing on May 12, Guangdong took an early lead in the first quarter. However, Beijing turned the tables in the second quarter and largely controlled the game in the second half, securing a convincing 88-73 victory and advancing to the next round.
The key to Beijing’s comeback was their pair of small foreign guards. Jamal and Williams handled the ball effectively on the court. Jamal provided both scoring and playmaking, while Williams facilitated the offense, which completely revitalized Beijing’s attack. In the first quarter, Beijing relied heavily on isolation plays, but the dynamic shifted after the second quarter. Additionally, Zhou Qi’s effectiveness in pick-and-roll situations was a decisive turning point.
Beyond his screens, Zhou Qi made significant contributions across the board. He dominated in the paint, scored 18 points, recorded 2 steals and 4 blocks, showcasing his immense presence. Zeng Fanbo also delivered a well-rounded performance on both ends, scoring 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting with extensive defensive coverage that controlled the forward position.
Zhai Xiaochuan added to the forward contributions, shooting 2-of-3 for 8 points while grabbing 8 rebounds through aggressive work on the boards—a solid outing for the veteran. For Guangdong, the scoring burden fell mainly on two players. Quinn recovered in the final three quarters to finish with 25 points, though his three-point percentage was subpar due to Beijing’s targeted defense. Hu Mingxuan contributed 13 points but struggled for touches after a hot first quarter, which was unfortunate.
The rest of Guangdong’s roster underperformed, with most players struggling from the field. Salinger and Lakovic were particularly inefficient, while Xu Jie went 0-of-3 and looked lost on both ends. The combined struggles of these three had a massive impact on the game’s outcome.
