CBA Fans Chant "Yi Jianlian" to Distract; Chen Yingjun's 18 Points and 12 Assists Propel Beijing to Win Over Guangdong

The highly anticipated clash between the Beijing and Guangdong teams once held the title of CBA's ultimate rivalry, dominating fan attention across China. For years, the matchup was among the league's most viewed and talked-about, bringing out the best—and occasionally the fiercest—competition between two of the most passionate fanbases. The fans in Beijing proved once again they’re quick to pick up on any opportunity to gain the mental edge over their rivals. During a pivotal free throw from Guangdong's Wang Shaojie, Beijing fans rang out with loud chants of "Yi Jianlian!"—an immediate dig referencing one of China's basketball legends and former CBA star, Yi Jianlian. The chant was meant to distract Guangdong and possibly add pressure in the decisive moments.

With the intense support of a packed arena, Beijing managed to hold on for a nail-biting 105-101 victory over Guangdong, extending their winning streak to six games. Remarkably, Beijing remains the only undefeated team in the league this season, leading many to believe they could be serious contenders for the title. The win was even more notable as it came without significant contributions from their new acquisition, Zhou Qi, who has yet to make his season debut.

The game’s hero, without a doubt, was Chen Yingjun, who posted a powerful double-double performance, with 18 points and a season-high 12 assists. In the clutch, he hit a critical three-pointer that effectively sealed the win for Beijing. Acquiring Chen over the summer from the Guangzhou team now appears to be one of the offseason’s best trades, as his playmaking and shooting prowess have been a critical asset for Beijing. This trade has fortified their offense and provided a consistent scorer who can step up when it matters most.

Fan Chants Aim at Opponents' Mental Game

Beijing's fan base is known for being vocal and deeply involved in the game’s atmosphere, frequently coming up with creative chants or slogans to unnerve opposing players. This tactic has become part of the Beijing-Guangdong rivalry's fabric over the years. In past clashes, chants like "substitute Su Wei" targeted Guangdong’s Su Wei so relentlessly that it was rumored to have affected his mental state and performance on the court. For Beijing's fans, distracting Guangdong's players—even using their connection to Yi Jianlian—was just another page in their playbook.

As the final buzzer sounded, it became clear that the fans' chants and the team's resilience had paid off, with Beijing emerging victorious over one of the league's toughest opponents.

Chen Yingjun's Impact and Rising Importance

Chen Yingjun's crucial contributions in this game reflect just how essential he has become to Beijing’s game plan. His 18 points and 12 assists were indispensable, but more than that, it was his calm and composed play in critical moments that made all the difference. The trade bringing Chen from Guangzhou, which initially flew under the radar, is now proving to be one of the most impactful offseason moves. His integration into Beijing’s lineup has provided them with a versatile, reliable point guard who can handle high-pressure situations and distribute the ball effectively to his teammates.

Notably, Chen’s late-game three-pointer showcased his confidence and ability to perform under pressure. Throughout the season, he has proven himself to be not only an efficient scorer but also an excellent playmaker, consistently setting up his teammates and spreading the floor. His quick adaptation to Beijing’s offensive and defensive schemes has been instrumental in their undefeated run so far.

The Curious Case of Zeng Fanbo: Limiting Minutes to Maximize Health

One question that has been on fans' minds is the limited playing time for promising young forward Zeng Fanbo. Despite being in great form—hitting all three of his field goals in the game for a quick nine points along with two blocks—Zeng only played nine minutes, the lowest on the team. This season, his minutes have averaged just 16 per game, a surprising decrease from last season’s 27-minute average.

However, this limited usage is part of a calculated strategy by Beijing to preserve Zeng's health. Known for his "fragile" or injury-prone history, Zeng had to withdraw from national team duties twice this past summer due to injuries. Beijing’s coaching staff is taking a cautious approach with him, emphasizing gradual improvement and durability over immediate results. His production in limited time—averaging 9.6 points, 3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game with an impressive 60.7% shooting percentage—suggests that this careful approach is working so far.

Zeng’s ability to make an impact in short bursts has been crucial for Beijing, and his presence on the court is impactful even with limited minutes. The team is hopeful that this careful handling of his playing time will lead to long-term success and allow him to develop the physical strength needed for sustained performance.

Guangdong's Performance and Challenges

Guangdong put up a strong fight, with contributions from a range of players. Among them, Eric Gillenwater led the scoring with 28 points and 7 rebounds, while Wang Shaojie and Barton added 14 and 16 points respectively. Young guard Xu Jie contributed 7 points and an impressive 14 assists, a key factor in keeping Guangdong close throughout the game.

However, Guangdong was noticeably lacking in depth at certain positions, especially given the absence of star player Hu Mingxuan, who missed his second consecutive game due to a thigh injury. Without him, Guangdong’s offense seemed strained, lacking a secondary scorer to relieve the pressure on their main shooters. Veteran guard Barton, although experienced, was unable to shoulder the entire load effectively. Guangdong's management may need to explore options for a new foreign player or a trade to bolster the roster, especially as the season progresses and the demands of CBA competition increase.

Looking Ahead for Beijing: The Road to Contention

Beijing’s perfect start to the season and their impressive victory over Guangdong signal that they are legitimate contenders in this year's CBA championship race. While Zhou Qi’s absence has raised questions, the team's chemistry and depth have more than compensated for it so far. With players like Chen Yingjun stepping up and Zeng Fanbo showing signs of becoming a reliable contributor in limited minutes, Beijing has the potential to challenge any team in the league.

The road ahead is still long, but Beijing’s dominance early in the season is a promising indicator that they have the right blend of talent, strategy, and determination to go far. Their success in crucial moments against Guangdong highlights a resilience that could make them a formidable opponent for any team in the CBA.