In the third game of the CBA playoff quarterfinals, the Guangdong team suffered a 73-88 defeat to the Beijing team, losing by 15 points. This loss eliminated Guangdong from the playoffs with a 1-2 series deficit, while Beijing advanced to the semifinals to face the Shanghai team.
The first three quarters were tightly contested, with both teams trading leads and adapting quickly. However, in the fourth quarter, once Beijing extended their lead to double digits, Guangdong seemed unable to mount a comeback, ultimately falling by a significant margin.
CBA analyst “别跑刚背猪” pointed to head coach Du Feng’s decision-making as the key issue. He argued that Du Feng’s player management cost Guangdong any chance of a comeback. According to the analyst, even in a losing effort, the team should have fought until the final minute. Instead, Xu Jie was left on the bench for the last five minutes of the fourth quarter, depriving the team of its most reliable offensive initiator. This led to a complete breakdown in offensive execution down the stretch.
The analyst noted that while players like Quinn and Hu Mingxuan are capable scorers, they lack the playmaking and organizational skills that Xu Jie brings. Although Xu Jie didn’t score in this game, his absence from key moments was detrimental. The analyst expressed frustration, saying it was unacceptable to end the season in such a manner when the team could have pushed harder.
Observers have questioned Du Feng’s lineup choices. Xu Jie played only 15 minutes in the game, with the most puzzling part being that he was not used for the first nine minutes of the fourth quarter. He only returned in the final minute, when the outcome was already decided. Critics viewed this as a disrespectful move toward Xu Jie.
Had Xu Jie been on the court throughout the fourth quarter, his playmaking could have improved Guangdong’s offense, potentially leading to a comeback against Beijing. However, Du Feng’s decision effectively ended any such hope. Throughout the season, Du Feng’s personnel decisions have increasingly puzzled fans and analysts alike. Some Guangdong supporters have even called for his dismissal.
Should Du Feng step down as head coach? That’s the question lingering after this disappointing exit.