Liaoning defeats Zhejiang, Shenzhen crushes Shandong

HANGZHOU - Shenzhen Aviators grabbed a season-opening victory over Shandong Heroes 102-90 and defending champions Liaoning Flying Leopards beat Zhejiang Lions 74-64 to start the 2022-2023 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season on Monday.

Falling behind 17 points after the first quarter, Zhejiang came back to tie the game on 39-39 with an 8-0 run and a 6-0 sprint in the second and third quarter respectively. But Liaoning immediately answered a 11-0 to surge ahead again and never looked back.

Kyle Fogg led Liaoning with 24 points and 11 rebounds, Guo Ailun had 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Fu Hao finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.

Will Cummings had a team-high 23 points for Zhejiang. Li Jinxiao added 11 points and Sun Minghui contributed 11 assists.

"I'm glad to win the game, but I'm still not in a good form mentally and physically, which bring a new challenge to me in the new season," Chinese international guard Guo said after the game.

Earlier on the day, Shenzhen took the lead on 50-45 at the break before the Aviators expanded the advantage to 12 points with a 25-18 third quarter to seal the victory.

He Xining had a game-high 25 points, adding 11 rebounds and six assists, followed by 21 points and seven assists from Askia Booker. Shen Zijie contributed 15 points.

Tao Hanlin led Shandong with 22 points and 10 rebounds, but the whole team only had three players in double figures. Jiao Hailong had 19 and Chen Peidong added 16.