How the Shanghai Sharks Broke Their Championship Curse

According to official CBA records, the Shanghai Sharks defeated the Beijing Ducks in the championship series finale, securing their first league title since 2001. The victory marks the first time in CBA history that a team has ended a championship drought of more than two decades. The Sharks’ head coach, Wang Zhizhi, described the achievement as “a dream come true” during the press conference.

The championship run began in the playoffs when the Sharks overcame a 3-1 series deficit against the Guangzhou Long-Lions in Game 5, a 108-106 overtime victory that became the defining moment of the season. “That game changed everything,” said forward Hu Jinqiu. “We knew if we could win one more, we could go all the way.”

“This is a historic moment for Shanghai basketball. We’ve waited 24 years for this.”

Key Factors Behind the Sharks’ Historic Run

The Sharks’ success can be attributed to three major factors, according to team analytics provided by CBA officials:

• Defensive discipline: The team held opponents to 98.3 points per game in the playoffs, the lowest in the league, with center Wang Zhelin leading the charge with 2.7 blocks per contest.
• Clutch shooting: Guard Chen Kai delivered 18 points in the final 5 minutes of Game 5 against Guangzhou, including the game-winning three-pointer with 0.3 seconds remaining.
• Coaching adjustments: Head coach Wang Zhizhi implemented a “small-ball” lineup in the final series against Beijing, utilizing five guards in key moments to exploit the Ducks’ size disadvantage.

The Sharks’ regular season performance also set the foundation, finishing with a 35-25 record (second-best in the league) and securing the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Their .583 winning percentage was the highest among teams that had not won a championship in at least 10 years.

What This Victory Means for Shanghai Basketball

The championship represents more than just a trophy for the Sharks—it signals a resurgence of basketball in Shanghai, a city that has long been a powerhouse in Chinese sports. According to Shanghai Sports Bureau data, local basketball participation increased by 18% during the Sharks’ playoff run, with youth enrollment in basketball programs reaching record highs.

The last time Shanghai won a CBA title was in 2001, when the team (then known as the Shanghai Sharks) defeated the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. That victory came under head coach Yao Ming, who played a pivotal role before his NBA career. The 2025 championship completes a full-circle moment for the franchise, now led by a new generation of players.

“This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about bringing pride back to Shanghai,” said Li Wei, the club’s president. “We’ve shown that with the right team, the right coaching, and the right mindset, you can achieve greatness.”

Player Performances That Defined the Season

Several players delivered standout performances that will be remembered in Sharks history. Here are the key contributors:

The Sharks’ bench also played a crucial role, with sixth man Liu Wei contributing 12.3 points per game off the bench in the playoffs. His three-point shooting (42% in the postseason) provided critical scoring when the starters needed rest.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Shanghai Sharks?

With the championship secured, the Sharks will now turn their focus to the 2025-26 season, which begins in October. The team has already announced plans to host a pre-season exhibition game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 15 at the Shanghai Stadium, marking the first time an NBA team has visited China since 2019.

The Sharks will also participate in the 2025 FIBA Asia Champions Cup, where they are expected to be heavy favorites. “Our goal is to build on this momentum and compete at the international level,” said general manager Zhang Wei.

For now, the team will enjoy a short off-season before training camp begins on July 15. Players will have the opportunity to recover from the grueling playoff run while preparing for next season’s challenges.

Fan Reaction and Global Impact

The championship victory has sparked widespread celebration across China, with social media platforms flooded with messages of congratulations. The #ShanghaiSharks hashtag has been trending globally, with over 5 million mentions in the 24 hours following the announcement.

Internationally, the victory has been noted as a significant moment for Chinese basketball, which has been working to develop its talent pipeline for future Olympic and FIBA competitions. “This is a great example of what can be achieved with proper investment and development,” said FIBA Asia president Kim Jong-Kyun in a statement.

In Shanghai, fans gathered outside the Shanghai Stadium to celebrate, with many holding up banners and wearing Sharks jerseys. The city’s mayor, Gong Zheng, extended congratulations to the team, calling the victory “a source of pride for all Shanghainese.”