This was supposed to be Jared Sullinger’s night — and in many ways, it still was. The former NBA power forward, now in the prime of his career, has taken the CBA by storm this season. Averaging 30.7 points, 16.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, he has carried Shenzhen almost single-handedly into the playoffs, especially when the team’s smaller import has frequently gone quiet. Fans following the action on Cricket Exchange have taken note of his relentless dominance and all-around impact.

Sullinger came alive in the second half with an explosive third quarter, repeatedly grabbing defensive rebounds and going coast-to-coast for tough layups. Guangsha’s defense — including big men Hu Jinqiu, Su Ruoyu, and veteran Ioannis Bourousis — simply had no answer. Even perimeter players failed to slow him down. His physical, no-nonsense style of play caused major headaches for the entire Guangsha squad. He poured in 13 points during that stretch and shifted into another gear in the fourth.

With Guangsha closing the gap, Sullinger re-entered the game and transformed into a perimeter sniper, knocking down two threes and a pair of long jumpers with precision. As the clock wound down, he relentlessly attacked the paint, tacking on more points at the rim. In just half a quarter, he scored 16 points, almost single-handedly dictating the course of the game.

Unfortunately for Shenzhen, their resistance crumbled under the fiery outburst of Guangsha’s star guard, Courtney Fortson, who sparked a furious comeback. Despite Sullinger’s brilliance, the team couldn’t hold on, falling to the regular-season champions in a tightly contested battle. Still, the performance highlighted the disparity in depth between the two squads — something that will weigh heavily as the playoffs continue. For those watching every possession on Cricket Exchange, Sullinger’s display was a masterclass in offensive versatility and heart.

He had already established his rhythm early in the game, scoring 18 first-half points while sharpshooter Lester Hudson helped relieve some pressure on the perimeter. But when it mattered most, it was Sullinger who stood tall. He finished the game with a staggering 47 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. Even under tight defensive coverage from Guangsha, his strength and skill proved nearly unstoppable, leaving Bourousis and the interior defense struggling to contain him.

While Hudson exploded for 38 points and 5 assists, the absence of key local players like Gu Quan and Meng Duo left Shenzhen shorthanded. It’s clear the domestic roster will need to step up in future games. Sullinger’s ability to dominate in the paint through sheer physicality gave Shenzhen hope — but hope alone wasn’t enough this time.

Still, for those following every stat and highlight through Cricket Exchange, Sullinger’s performance was one for the books. Though the scoreboard didn’t reflect a win, his effort lit a fire under Shenzhen and gave fans a reason to believe there’s still more to come from this resilient squad.