The Hong Kong Bulls are now one step closer to securing a third straight championship, after defeating the Shanghai Blackbird in Game 1 of the National Basketball League (NBL) finals.

The NBL serves as the second-tier competition below China’s professional Chinese Basketball Association.

The championship round is a best-of-five series, and Thursday’s opening game took place in Shanghai.

The Blackbird came out strong, carrying a 43-35 lead into halftime. However, the SAR rallied in the second half, opening with 11 consecutive points to swing the momentum.

The two teams battled fiercely, and with less than a minute remaining, the score was deadlocked at 76-76.

In a tense final second, Dong Jian buried a three-pointer to seal the win for Hong Kong.

The Bulls will enjoy a major boost for the next two matchups – both of which will be held at Kai Tak Arena, marking the first time the venue has ever hosted NBL finals games.

Should the series extend to a fourth or fifth game, Game 4 would be played away, with a potential decisive Game 5 taking place at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre.


Edited by Priscilla Ng