Despite missing two injured key players, the Beijing Ducks tamed the Ningbo Rockets 100-89, while the Shanghai Sharks rallied to beat the Tianjin Pioneers 132-108, extending its winning streak to 13 games in the 27th round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League on Monday.

Tomas Kyzlink (C) of Jilin Northeast Tigers dribbles the ball during the 27th round match between Beijing Royal Fighters and Jilin Northeast Tigers at the 2024-2025 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Beijing, China, Jan. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

The Ducks, coming off wins against the Liaoning Flying Leopards and Zhejiang Golden Bulls, was still reeling from the loss of starting guard Chen Yingjun and rising star Zeng Fanbo. Chen sprained his ankle during Beijing's win over Liaoning on January 1, and Zeng reported Achilles tendon pain after its victory over Zhejiang last Friday. Neither player traveled with the team to Ningbo. Additionally, rebounder Taruike Jianiyou was sidelined with flu.

Despite these setbacks, the Ducks' veterans stepped up. Guard Fang Shuo delivered 16 points and six assists in 27 minutes, while forward Zhai Xiaochuan contributed six points and 10 rebounds to help secure the win.

For the Rockets, Ronald March clinched a game-high 35 points, and Mangok Mathiang took 19 points and 13 rebounds. Wang Junjie was the only domestic player for Ningbo to score in double digits, finishing with 13 points and seven assists.

Fears were spawned in the early game for Shanghai as Tianjin's star forward David James nailed down three 3-pointers to help the home team establish a double-digit lead. Shanghai's top scorer Kenneth Lofton Jr. stepped up in time. Even though temper control remained a mandatory course for the strong paint attacker, he still put on a dominating show, scoring a season-high 43 points.

In other games, the Liaoning Flying Leopards defeated the league-leading Zhejiang Lions 101-88, with newly signed center Justin Patton contributing nine points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes. The Guangdong Southern Tigers edged past the Shenzhen Aviators 91-84, while the Shandong Heroes triumphed over the Nanjing Monkey Kings 129-116, who was without core shooting guard Lin Wei. The Beijing Royal Fighters cruised to a 109-92 victory against the Jilin Northeast Tigers.

Earlier on Sunday, the Qingdao Eagles defeated the Guangzhou Loong Lions 103-90, the Jiangsu Dragons stunned the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 99-93, the Shanxi Loongs eased past the 115-110, and the Fujian Sturgeons beat the Sichuan Blue Whales 132-127 in an offensive shootout. 

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