Zhejiang Lions secured a 92-74 win over Chinese Taipei on July 8, 2026, with Hu Jinqiu posting a game‑high 28 points and 12 rebounds, helping the club clinch a playoff spot.
Why was Zhejiang Lions' performance crucial?
The victory not only placed the Lions third in the group but also revealed areas for improvement against Japan and South Korea's tough defenses. Hu's interior scoring and rebounding limited the opponent's fast‑break frequency, while the team’s field‑goal percentage rose to 48% and three‑point shooting hit 38%.
What does youth development mean for the club’s future?
22‑year‑old Zhang Zhenlin contributed 12 points and 4 assists, showing a blend of perimeter shooting and slashing. Coach Guo Shiqiang noted the squad is still adapting to high‑intensity transition offense, with young players needing better defensive rotations and steals. The Lions recorded 22 assists, indicating a maturing passing system.
How does this compare to the national team?
China’s men’s team fell 73-92 to Japan, exposing a lack of speed and perimeter efficiency despite traditional post strength. In contrast, Zhejiang Lions leveraged quick fast breaks and efficient outside shooting to maintain a lead throughout against Chinese Taipei. The Lions logged 9 steals, far surpassing the national team’s 4.
What challenges lie ahead for Zhejiang Lions?
As the group stage winds down, the Lions face a tougher Japanese side. To stay in contention, they must tighten defensive rotations and improve perimeter defense. Hu needs to stay efficient in the low post while boosting the success rate of pick‑and‑roll actions. The coaching staff said upcoming practices will focus on rebounding protection and fast‑break transitions to preserve leads in crunch time.