The Shenzhen Men’s Basketball Team edged out the Zhejiang Chouzhou 95-91, completing a 2-0 series sweep and securing a spot in the CBA playoffs semifinals for the first time in three seasons. This victory not only ended their drought since the 2022-2023 campaign but also marked a significant mental breakthrough for the squad.
Speaking after the game, He Xining, a native of Shandong and the team’s standout guard, remained composed yet emotional during the press conference. He acknowledged the team’s struggles and credited head coach Zheng Yonggang’s persistence for keeping the group united through tough times. “Returning to the top four is truly hard-earned,” He said. He also expressed gratitude to the Zhejiang team, noting that their fierce resistance at home forced Shenzhen to develop greater toughness under pressure. He admitted that he nearly fouled out late in the fourth quarter while aggressively pursuing a steal. “I’m older now—I need to learn to conserve energy until the final seconds, which is the best way to serve the team.”
When asked about his fourth-quarter outburst of three consecutive three-pointers, He Xining’s eyes showed determination. “At that moment, I believed I could hit those shots, and I trusted my teammates to create space for me.” He emphasized that this performance was not a sudden explosion but the result of daily accumulation. “Da Hei (the team’s big man), Wang Haoran, and Rong Zifeng all have the ability to step up in critical moments. I just chose to take on that responsibility.” His averages of 27.5 points, 65.5% field goal shooting, and 56.3% three-point shooting are not just statistics—they are tangible representations of his belief.
Head coach Zheng Yonggang focused more on the team’s resilience. He pointed out that after building leads in the second and third quarters, the team made unnecessary turnovers in the fourth due to Zhejiang’s press defense. “But we won, and that’s enough.” He recalled the disappointment of being eliminated by Zhejiang in 2023 and noted the different mindset heading into this semifinal run. “We don’t talk about the championship. We only focus on the next game.” Zheng specifically praised the growth of Wang Haoran and Lu Pengyu—Wang quickly adjusted from a slow start in the previous game and ignited the offense early, while Lu contributed with defense, fast breaks, and cuts, becoming a new energy source for the team.
Import guard Smith played through injury upon his own request, becoming a symbol of locker room spirit. The steady contributions of veterans like Zhou Peng and A Hao, combined with the sharp energy from younger players, have forged a rare cohesion within the Shenzhen squad. “We don’t win by relying on one player,” Zheng said. “We win because a group of people trust each other.” This collective belief suggests the team is poised to make a strong push for the championship.
As the final buzzer sounded, the despair of Zhejiang fans lingered, but in Shenzhen’s locker room, there was only calm and focus. They know the real test is just beginning. But this time, they are no longer afraid of the darkness—because they have learned to light their own way in it.
