10 Shots, 25 Points! Guo Ailun’s Emotional Comeback Game Marks His Liberation from the Liaoning Team

On a night where emotions ran high and the competition was intense, Guo Ailun, a former one-team star of Liaoning, finally silenced doubters with a stellar performance. He delivered 25 points on 10-for-15 shooting, coupled with 3 rebounds and 7 assists, leading the Guangzhou team to a 108-101 victory over Shenzhen. But what resonated most wasn’t just the scoreline or statistics. It was the visible, heart-wrenching release of Guo’s emotions, which drew support and empathy from fans who stayed long after the final buzzer, standing by him in solidarity.

The match was especially significant because it marked the first time in nearly two years (a 590-day gap) that Guo Ailun exceeded 20 points in a game, showcasing his enduring ability to impact the court. This performance was an emphatic statement: Guo Ailun can still play at an elite level, and even after his departure from the Liaoning Flying Leopards, he remains one of the top guards in the league.

For those who’ve followed Guo Ailun’s journey, it’s clear that this wasn’t just another game. This was a release of the pent-up frustration, doubts, and battles he's faced since leaving the team that he once considered home. From harsh critiques questioning his contributions to Liaoning’s championships to navigating the shock of being traded and forced to start anew at 30, a time traditionally regarded as an athlete’s prime, Guo Ailun has been through a rollercoaster. The journey has been long, filled with struggles, but tonight was his night—a night where he reclaimed his career narrative.

The Game Unfolds: Triumph and Tensions

While Guo Ailun was celebrating his resurgence on the court, tensions rose with Shenzhen’s No. 11, forward Perry. As the game was winding down and Guo Ailun held possession, planning to let the clock run out, Perry made an unexpected move by aggressively challenging him for the ball. This sudden action nearly sparked a full-blown altercation between the two teams. It’s believed that Perry’s actions were partly in retaliation for an earlier incident where Guo Ailun had executed a flashy maneuver that caught Perry off guard.

Perry’s conduct throughout the game was confrontational, not only clashing with Guo but also committing multiple hard fouls on Guangzhou’s Warren and teammate Jiao Boqiao. These instances highlighted his aggressive playing style and volatile temperament, which has been a double-edged sword for the Shenzhen team. Perry’s contributions on the stat sheet are undeniable—averaging 28.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game this season. His dominance brings both an edge and an occasional liability to his team, a reality that Shenzhen’s head coach, Zhou Peng, seems to accept for the time being.

A Symbolic Night for Guo Ailun

The parallels between Guo Ailun’s journey and the story of NBA veteran Derrick Rose are uncanny. Just as Rose had his unforgettable 50-point game that reignited his career after years of battling injuries, Guo’s performance felt like his own 50-point night. While the numbers were different, the impact and symbolism of his performance are what truly mattered.

"Flowers bloom again, and people can find a new beginning,” an old saying goes. Guo’s 25-point game signals that age is no obstacle, and that the so-called prime years of a basketball player can be more flexible than often perceived. At 30, Guo is showing that he has plenty left in the tank, and his drive is as potent as ever.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on whether Guo Ailun’s resurgence will continue. His performance could also bolster his chances for an opportunity to represent China in the upcoming Asian qualifiers against Guam and Mongolia in November, especially with injuries affecting key guards like Hu Mingxuan, Zhao Jiwei, and Wu Qian. For the Chinese national team, Guo’s skills and experience could be precisely what they need to fill the void in the backcourt.

In his first season away from Liaoning, Guo Ailun has faced and overcome significant personal and professional challenges. He’s proving that the journey is far from over, and for Guo, his career is entering a new and inspiring chapter. As he stands tall, with an emotional triumph in hand, fans can only look forward to what this resilient player will bring to the court next.