After Beijing secured a 2-1 series victory over Guangdong to advance to the semifinals against top-seeded Shanghai, head coach Xu Limin shared his thoughts at the post-game press conference. Xu noted, “We focused on video analysis, individual conversations, and tactical adjustments, particularly targeted at Quinn, rebounding, and their key strengths.”
While Beijing’s defense on Quinn was only average—he found his rhythm after a slow first quarter—the team’s offense improved significantly, especially in the second quarter. Their defensive efforts against other players were also commendable.
Xu Limin addressed the team’s adjustments: “We trailed by 10 points early on, and the players were a bit impatient. We settled down, handled the ball calmly, and started with defense. The third quarter was excellent, and we managed to adjust when they closed the gap.” The switch to a zone defense in the second quarter, combined with a two-small-import lineup, revitalized both offense and defense—a positive takeaway. Xu’s coaching adjustments in this game were widely praised.
On Zhou Qi’s performance, Xu said: “His leadership on the court, his role as a connector in the paint, his rebounding, and his defensive presence are irreplaceable for the team. I hope he stays healthy as we push for the championship. I made a self-criticism in front of the team after the last game, acknowledging issues with rotations and energy management.” This honest approach resonated well, as Xu acknowledged Zhou’s contributions and his own mistakes. Zhou played too many minutes in the previous game, affecting his performance in overtime and leading to lost rebounds. In this game, Zhou dominated both ends, showing improved form. Xu’s willingness to reflect was a positive sign. He also explicitly mentioned the championship goal, which is now Beijing’s target.
Jeremy (import player) added: “We prepared with high focus during today’s practice session. We knew the opponent was strong, and I’m proud of my teammates’ fighting spirit. But our task isn’t finished yet.” Indeed, Beijing’s concentration was noticeably higher compared to the previous game—a promising sign. The question now is whether they can maintain this focus in the next round, especially with Jeremy delivering an all-around performance.
