Shanghai: The 2024-2025 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season concluded dramatically as the Zhejiang Lions triumphed over the Beijing Ducks in Game 6 of the Finals, securing a 4-2 series win to claim their inaugural CBA championship. The victory marked a significant achievement for the Lions, who had previously fallen short in two Finals appearances.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Lions’ journey to the championship was marked by resilience and a strong performance from their starting lineup. Center Hu Jinqiu emerged as a pivotal figure in their success, averaging 19.1 points and 8.3 rebounds during the regular season and earning his second Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His consistency continued into the playoffs, where he maintained impressive statistics.
The Lions overcame a challenging start to the Finals with a home loss in Game 1, but they quickly turned the series around. Backcourt players Barry Brown Jr. and Sun Minghui were instrumental in the team’s offensive strategy, collectively averaging 41.8 points per game during the postseason. Meanwhile, Lin Bingsheng and Zhu Junlong solidified the Lions’ defensive efforts, emphasizing the importance of defense in their championship run.
The Beijing Ducks, despite falling short in the Finals, celebrated a successful season by reaching their first Finals in a decade. Key offseason acquisitions, including point guard Chen Yingjun and center Zhou Qi, contributed to the Ducks’ resurgence. Young forward Zeng Fanbo also played a crucial role in their journey to the Finals.
The Shanxi Loongs emerged as a formidable force during the season, advancing to the semifinals with a strong backcourt lineup. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses like the Guangdong Southern Tigers and Liaoning Flying Leopards faced challenges, with Guangdong’s backcourt in development and Liaoning dealing with an aging core.
The season also saw the emergence of new talent, such as Qingdao Eagles’ Yang Hansen and Nanjing Monkey Kings’ Lin Wei, who impressed with their performances. Yang Hansen’s improvement and potential NBA prospects drew attention, while Lin Wei’s postseason performance highlighted his growth as a player.
In its 30th anniversary season, the CBA introduced changes that enhanced the level of competition. The “four quarters, seven foreign-player appearances” policy allowed for more dynamic lineups, while the inaugural CBA Club Cup provided valuable opportunities for teams to remain competitive during league breaks.
The Shanghai Sharks benefited significantly from these changes, using the Club Cup to regroup and stage a remarkable comeback in the second half of the season. These developments reflect the CBA’s commitment to fostering competitive basketball and expanding its reach.