With six players scoring in double-digits, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls defeated the Shanghai Sharks 106-95, while Jared Sullinger's big-sized double-double helped the Shenzhen Aviators cruise
Despite a frightening fourth quarter, the Golden Bulls won based on an early good game. The Golden Bulls rotated the ball well in the game, dishing out 25 assists in the whole game, compared to the Sharks' 14. Guard Wu Qian led the Golden Bulls with 18 points and six assists, and Jarmar Gulley added 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
For the Sharks, Eric Bledsoe and newcomer Dwayne Bacon combined 55 points through 39 shots, nearly half of Shanghai's total 89 attempts. Center Wang Zhelin took a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, but also marked five turnovers.
Shanghai's head coach Liu Peng pointed out that his side was "too rushed" in the game. "We badly wanted to score, but the execution was obviously not good. We need to be more patient," said Liu, whose side made seven out of 33 behind the arc.
The good news for Shanghai is that Bacon adapted the league well after three games. The 2017 NBA second-round drafted swingman took the team-high 29 points only in 21 minutes.
In another match, league No. 5 Shenzhen eased past No. 17 Jilin with a sudden effort in the second quarter. He Xining topped Shenzhen's box score with 30 points, and Sullinger added 29 points and 18 rebounds. On Jilin's squad, sharpshooter Jiang Weize nailed down six 3-pointers to clinch 26 points and his backcourt partner Jiang Yuxing added 18.
