The third game of the CBA playoff quarterfinal series between the Beijing Ducks and Guangdong Southern Tigers is set to tip off, deciding which team will advance to the semifinals. Ahead of the crucial matchup, both head coaches, Xu Limin and Du Feng, spoke to the media. Du Feng remained tight-lipped about game preparations, while Xu Limin was more straightforward, directly outlining the three key factors his team needs to execute.
Du Feng first expressed his team’s mindset, stating that Guangdong is approaching the series with the determination to challenge Beijing. He then praised the players’ performance, highlighting their backs-against-the-wall victory in the previous game. “The young players have shown great resilience. We must acknowledge their execution of the coaching staff’s tactics and their ability to withstand pressure in the toughest moments. They brought the series back to Beijing for a deciding game, and I hope they continue to fight hard,” he said.
Du Feng’s remarks were standard fare—compared to other teams, Guangdong’s roster is relatively young, with no domestic player over 30. However, when it comes to truly young talents, the team doesn’t have many, as players like Wang Hongze and Chen Jiazheng aren’t even on the active roster. In reality, Du Feng’s comments were more of a formality, offering little insight into the team’s actual plans.
Xu Limin, on the other hand, was more direct. He stated that Beijing needs to focus on three aspects for the evening’s game: first, attention to detail, which was lacking in the previous match; second, the players’ determination and belief; and third, maintaining the right mindset—confidence while being prepared for adversity. Additionally, he noted that the team would place extra defensive emphasis on Quinn.
Judging by the first two games, Beijing’s roster advantage hasn’t fully materialized, while Guangdong has played with fearless aggression. This sets the stage for a highly competitive third contest, where either side has a realistic chance of victory. For Guangdong, the challenge is greater—they must maintain both defensive solidity and offensive efficiency. For Beijing, the key is to leverage their roster strengths, particularly their interior presence.
In other news, Guo Haowen went live, revealing that he is at Shanghai Airport, preparing to travel overseas for training. As his contract with the Tongxi Monkey Kings is nearing its end, fans inquired about his plans for next season. Guo said he is still uncertain and will assess the situation as it develops. When asked about his overseas training, he confirmed that he will continue to pursue an NBA opportunity, potentially trying out for several NBA teams. He added that this summer might be his last realistic chance.
Guo Haowen was once regarded as a highly talented player, making a strong impression while representing China’s youth national team at the FIBA U19 World Cup. However, after entering the CBA, he failed to fully capitalize on his potential. Although his performances in recent seasons have been respectable, they haven’t matched the early promise he showed. This season, Guo has shown significant improvement, averaging 20.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, earning him the title of domestic scoring leader in the regular season. With his progress and the upcoming overseas training, he hopes to secure a chance to play in the United States.
