The CBA quarterfinal series between Guangdong and Beijing reaches a decisive Game 3 on May 12. For both teams, this is a win-or-go-home scenario—the loser is eliminated, while the winner keeps their championship hopes alive.
While many analysts favor Beijing based on roster depth, Guangdong is far from a sure loser. Three critical elements will determine which team advances.
**1. Three-Point Shooting Accuracy**
Across the first two games, the team with the better three-point percentage has emerged victorious. In Game 1, Beijing shot an astonishing 57% from beyond the arc, compared to Guangdong’s 33%, and Beijing won comfortably. In Game 2, the tables turned: Guangdong connected on 48% of their threes, Beijing hit 41%, and Guangdong took the win. Expect both coaches to prioritize perimeter defense and hope their shooters stay hot.
**2. Star Player Contributions**
Beijing’s quartet of Germain, Zhou Qi, Zeng Fanbo, and Zhao Rui must deliver near their ceilings for Beijing to have the edge. For Guangdong, the performances of Xu Jie, Quinn, Hu Mingxuan, and Du Runwang will be equally decisive. Any one of these players having an off night could shift the series.
**3. Coaching Tactics**
Head coaches Xu Limin (Beijing) and Du Feng (Guangdong) are both seasoned tacticians known for unpredictable rotations. The key is who keeps their hottest players on the floor. In Game 2, Du Feng wisely stuck with his top performers—Hu Mingxuan, Xu Jie, and Quinn played heavy minutes and sealed the win. In contrast, Xu Limin left Zhao Rui, arguably Beijing’s best guard, on the bench for extended stretches, a decision that proved costly. Whoever manages their rotation better in Game 3 will likely guide their team to victory.
With the series tied 1-1, every possession will be magnified. Expect a fiercely contested battle that could come down to the final minutes. Fans should prepare for a thriller.