The Xinjiang Flying Tigers failed to extend a run of 15 consecutive wins at home, losing 111-107 to the Shandong Heroes in the 25th round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on the first day of 2025.

Seven technical fouls and 68 free throws were called, and players including Marquese Chriss, Guo Kai and Jarmar Gulley were sent off. The two sides were 55-54 in the first half and 23-23 in the third quarter. In the last five minutes, Shandong's Yu Dehao sank a clutch three-pointer and his teammate Dallas Moore scored five consecutive points to lead their team to victory.

Ty Leaf (C) of Nanjing Monkey Kings goes for a lay-up during a match between Nanjing Monkey Kings and Beijing Royal Fighters at the 2024-2025 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Also on Wednesday, the Beijing Ducks hosted the Liaoning Flying Leopards, the defending champion. The host led 21-17 in the first quarter and pulled the margin to 50-41 in the second. However, in the third quarter, key player Chen Yingjun suffered an injury, and Liaoning's Wang Lanqin and Dez Wells seized the opportunity to counterattack and narrow the gap to four points.

However, Beijing's Zhang Cairen and Zhou Qi scored consecutive points in the fourth quarter, widening the point difference to more than 20, with Beijing ultimately winning 105-90.

On the same day, the Guangdong Southern Tigers defeating the Tianjin Pioneers 110-103, at one point establishing a lead of over 20 points. Troy Gillenwater scored 41 points for Guangdong with 12 rebounds and five assists.

Elsewhere on Thursday, the Zhejiang Lions swept the Guangzhou Loong Lions 114-75, the Qingdao Eagles overcame the Sichuan Blue Whales 126-108, the Beijing Royal Fighters won over the Nanjing Monkey Kings 107-103, and the Jilin Northeast Tigers beat the Ningbo Rockets 116-114.