On May 12, 2026, Beijing time, the CBA playoffs continued with the quarterfinal series. In a decisive Game 3 of the upper bracket, Beijing Shougang defeated Guangdong Hongyuan 88-73 at home, securing a 2-1 series victory and advancing to the semifinals. After the game, Beijing head coach Xu Liming spoke to the media.
Reflecting on the match, Xu acknowledged the team’s early struggles, noting that nerves and the pressure of playing in front of a packed home crowd led to some anxious play. After building an early lead, they saw it equalized, which caused players to tighten up even more. However, a halftime regroup helped calm everyone down.
Ultimately, Xu emphasized that the team’s biggest achievement was defeating themselves. “We faced enormous pressure. After going up 1-0 in the series, then being tied 1-1, we managed to let go of distractions and fear. We played together, united as one, and showcased our true level. This fighting spirit is commendable,” he said.
Regarding the team’s preparation for such a high-stakes game, Xu explained that they had left no stone unturned. “We gave them a lot of encouragement and talked through both mental and technical aspects. The players executed everything we discussed on the court. I think our thorough preparation after the previous loss was key—we solved the problems that could have arisen.”