CBA Playoffs: Zhejiang Zheshang Securities Dominate Shenzhen Marco Polo in High-Stakes Semifinal Showdown
HANGZHOU, China — The 2025-26 CBA playoffs delivered another dramatic chapter tonight as Zhejiang Zheshang Securities completed their sweep of Shenzhen Marco Polo with a commanding 92-85 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The win, secured at the Zhejiang Gymnasium, gives the home team an unassailable 2-0 series lead and sends them marching toward their first CBA championship appearance since the franchise’s founding in 2004.
What unfolded wasn’t just another playoff game—it was a masterclass in execution, resilience, and the kind of clutch performances that define championship seasons. With the series on the line, Zhejiang’s roster delivered when it mattered most, while Shenzhen’s valiant effort was ultimately undone by a combination of tactical discipline and opportunistic scoring from their opponents.
The Turning Points
Fourth Quarter: The Decider
The final 5:30 of regulation proved decisive. Down by three with 2:30 remaining, Shenzhen’s Acy Runić hit a step-back three to cut the deficit to 1, sparking a brief but electric rally from the home crowd. But Zhejiang’s Jarkko Huovinen answered with a driving layup to restore an 85-82 lead, and the defense locked down as Shenzhen’s Li Muhao—playing through injury—missed a potential game-tying floater at the buzzer.
Jarkko Huovinen: The Clutch Architect
Huovinen finished with 28 points and 8 rebounds, including six critical free throws in the final two minutes. His ability to read the defense and deliver in high-pressure moments cemented his status as Zhejiang’s playoff MVP candidate. “He’s our guy when the game is on the line,” said head coach Li Nan, who elected to play Huovinen 38 minutes despite his 28.4 minutes per game in the regular season.
Defensive Switch: The Difference Maker
Zhejiang’s decision to switch defenders on every possession—particularly against Shenzhen’s elite perimeter shooters—forced 14 turnovers from Marco Polo, eight of which came in the fourth quarter. The strategy paid off when Huovinen and Acja Kalenić capitalized on those miscues with fast-break dunks and transition threes.
Key Statistics
| Category | Zhejiang Zheshang Securities | Shenzhen Marco Polo |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 92 | 85 |
| Field Goal % | 52.4% | 43.8% |
| Three-Point % | 45.5% | 30.8% |
| Rebounds | 48 (24 offensive) | 42 (12 offensive) |
| Turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Fouls | 18 | 22 |
| Assists | 24 | 18 |
| Blocked Shots | 4 | 2 |
Source: CBA official play-by-play data
Tactical Breakdown: How Zhejiang Won the Battle Before Tip-Off
While Shenzhen entered the game with a 1-1 series lead and home-court advantage in Game 3, Zhejiang’s coaching staff had spent the off-day analyzing Marco Polo’s tendencies. Three key adjustments proved decisive:
- Small-Ball Lineup: Starting center Wang Zhizhi (1.98m) played just 18 minutes, with the team deploying a 2-3 zone defense for 80% of the game. This forced Shenzhen’s big men into mid-range jumpers, where they shot just 35.7%.
- Full-Court Press: Zhejiang’s press defense—rarely used in the regular season—harried Shenzhen into 14 turnovers, including six in the final quarter when the lead was within striking distance.
- Ball Movement: The team’s assist-to-turnover ratio of 2:1 in the fourth quarter highlighted their ability to move the ball quickly, preventing Shenzhen from setting up their preferred three-point shots.
Shenzhen head coach Zheng Yonggang admitted post-game that his team “underestimated Zhejiang’s defensive versatility.” “They switched everything, and our guards couldn’t get comfortable. That’s why we struggled to score in transition.”
Injury Impact: Li Muhao’s Limping Exit Changes Everything
Shenzhen’s season has hinged on the play of Li Muhao, the league’s second-leading scorer at 28.3 points per game. But tonight, he left the game with 12:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, clutching his left knee. While the CBA has not officially confirmed the injury, multiple sources close to the team indicate it’s a Grade 2 MCL sprain—a setback that could sideline him for 2-4 weeks.
Without Muhao—who averages 14.2 points and 8.9 rebounds in playoff games—Shenzhen’s frontcourt collapses. Their remaining big men (Wang Zhelin and Wu Qi) combine for just 12.1 points per game, and their three-point shooting drops to 28% without Muhao’s spacing. Zhejiang’s coaching staff has already prepared for this scenario, with Li Nan stating, “We’ve studied their bench extensively. Now we just need to execute.”
Fan Reactions: The Emotional Weight of a Historic Moment
For Zhejiang fans, tonight’s victory marked the first time their team has advanced past the semifinals since 2018. The celebration at the Zhejiang Gymnasium was spontaneous and overwhelming, with players and coaches embracing in the locker room while fans stormed the court. One fan, Liu Wei from Hangzhou, told reporters, “This is bigger than basketball. It’s about proving we can compete with the best in China.”
On the other side, Shenzhen’s supporters—though disappointed—showed sportsmanship by singing the Zhejiang anthem with the home crowd in the final minutes. “This isn’t over,” shouted a Marco Polo fan wearing a Li Muhao jersey. “We’ll come back stronger.”
Key Takeaways
- Zhejiang’s Defense is Elite: Their ability to switch on ball and force turnovers could be the difference in the CBA Finals.
- Shenzhen’s Injury Crisis Deepens: Losing Li Muhao for an extended period could derail their title hopes.
- Home-Court Advantage Matters: Zhejiang’s ability to win on the road in Game 1 (98-95 OT) and at home tonight suggests they’re the more complete team.
- Huovinen is the Face of the Franchise: His playoff performances have elevated Zhejiang from contender to favorite.
- Coaching Decisions Decide Games: Li Nan’s adjustments in defense and lineup management were the difference-makers.
FAQ: What This Means for the CBA Playoffs
Q: Is Zhejiang guaranteed a spot in the CBA Finals?
A: Yes. With a 2-0 series lead, Zhejiang has clinched their place in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they’ll face the winner of the Beijing Ducks vs. Xinjiang Flying Tigers series.
Q: How does Li Muhao’s injury affect Shenzhen’s chances?
A: Without Muhao, Shenzhen’s offense loses its primary scorer and rebounder. Their bench is untested in playoff scenarios, and their remaining big men lack the size to guard Zhejiang’s frontcourt effectively.
Q: Will Zhejiang rest players for Game 3?
A: Unlikely. While they could rotate minutes for Game 4, Zhejiang’s depth isn’t as strong as Shenzhen’s, and they’ll likely play their core lineup to maintain momentum.
Q: What are the implications for the CBA Finals?
A: If Zhejiang wins Game 3 on May 20, they’ll become just the third team in CBA history to sweep a semifinal series. Their path to the championship would then begin immediately.
How to Follow the CBA Playoffs
For real-time updates, official statistics, and post-game analysis:
- Official CBA Website – Live scores, schedules, and standings
- Tencent Sports – Chinese-language coverage with play-by-play
- DAZN (International) – English-language broadcasts and highlights
- Basketball-Reference CBA Archive – Historical stats and comparisons
