Hong Kong Bulls guard Dong Jian hit a late three-pointer to seal a 79-76 road victory over Shanghai Sharks in Game 1 of the 2025-2026 National Men’s Basketball League (NBL) Finals, overcoming an 18-point deficit to take a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-five championship showdown.
The Bulls, defending NBL champions, trailed by as many as 18 points in the second quarter after Shanghai built an early advantage through sharp shooting from import guard Lavett and interior scoring by Wilson. Shanghai extended their lead to 18 points midway through the second period before Hong Kong began its comeback.
Jones and Lu Ywen combined for key baskets to cut the halftime deficit to eight points, with Hong Kong trailing 35-43 at the break. After the intermission, the Bulls intensified their defense, with Solomon and Jones combining inside and out to take the lead. The game remained tightly contested through the third quarter, with both teams trading baskets.
With the score tied at 73-73 in the final minutes, Jones and Douglas each hit three-pointers for their respective teams before Dong Jian delivered the decisive shot from beyond the arc. The basket gave Hong Kong a two-point lead with seconds remaining, and they held on for the win after Shanghai’s final attempt fell short.
Lavett led all scorers with 32 points for Shanghai, although Douglas added 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists. For Hong Kong, five players reached double figures, with Jones and Lu Ywen each contributing 14 points. Solomon and Mason Jones were instrumental in the second-half surge that shifted momentum.Shanghai head coach Yang Zan praised his team’s effort despite the loss, stating they showed strong determination against the defending champions and would make adjustments ahead of Game 2. The series now shifts to Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Arena for Games 2 and 3, with a potential return to Shanghai’s Qinglian Sports Center on April 24 if Shanghai wins one of the next two games.
The Bulls aim to become the first team in NBL history to win three consecutive titles, having swept Jiangxi Yenkee Liquor 3-0 in the semifinals to reach the Finals for the third straight year. Shanghai, in its inaugural season, earned its first Finals appearance by defeating Hefei Crazy Wind 3-1 in the other semifinal series.
Game 2 is scheduled for April 18 at the Kai Tak Sports Arena in Hong Kong, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. Local time. Fans can follow updates through the NBL’s official channels and Archysport’s ongoing coverage of the Finals.
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