The 2025-26 CBA playoffs continued with an intense Game 2 of the quarterfinal series between Guangdong Southern Tigers and Beijing Ducks. Relying on stellar performances from Xu Jie, Quinn, and Wang Shaojie, Guangdong secured a hard-fought 102-99 overtime victory at home, keeping their series hopes alive.
In the final moments of overtime, Zhang Haojia missed a three-pointer, but Wang Shaojie fought for the offensive rebound against Beijing’s big men and tipped it to Xu Jie. Xu then found Zhang for a second-chance three that sealed the win. Quinn and Hu Mingxuan both turned in their best efforts of the season, while Zhang redeemed himself with the game-winner. However, it was Wang Shaojie’s defensive performance that truly earned recognition.
Playing on loan from the Beijing Royal Fighters, Wang Shaojie shouldered the responsibility as Guangdong’s defensive anchor. He had to contain Zhou Qi in the post and also guard against Beijing’s import JaVale McGee. What made his performance even more impressive was his ability to defend pick-and-roll switches against guards, using his quickness and positioning to neutralize mismatch attempts. While Zhou Qi and McGee struggled being targeted by Hu and Quinn, Wang executed perfectly.
With Quinn playing at an elite level, coach Du Feng chose to bench big import Salinger and go with a smaller lineup for more offensive mobility. This left Wang Shaojie as the sole interior presence, with Du Runwang and Zhang Haojia offering little defensive help. Under such pressure, Wang controlled his fouls and grabbed crucial rebounds, even in the dying moments of overtime. He demonstrated elite blue-collar big-man ability against both Zhou’s post-ups and McGee’s rolls.
Guangdong is expected to fully buy out Wang Shaojie this offseason. After joining on loan from Beijing Royal Fighters, he has seamlessly integrated into Du Feng’s system. Given his mobility, defensive awareness, and toughness, Wang is exactly what Guangdong needs. However, to secure him permanently, Guangdong may need to pay around 20 million yuan (approximately $2.8 million) for the transfer.
