Shougang Storm Back into the Top Four—But Bad News Hits: Three Key Starters Facing Long-Term Absences. Can They Still Win the Title?

Beijing Shougang edged out a hard-fought 79–73 victory, delivering a statement win under the toughest of circumstances. With four key players sidelined, they defeated Zhejiang Chouzhou Jinzu at home and reignited belief among their fans. This was not a smooth or comfortable win, but a gritty battle decided possession by possession. Across four tightly contested quarters, Shougang slowly carved out an advantage through sheer resilience. Zhejiang arrived with a full roster, yet never managed to fully dictate the tempo. Shougang won not by elaborate tactics, but by an unyielding refusal to back down.

Jerman led the way with an outstanding all-around performance, scoring 23 points while adding five assists and three steals, making his impact felt on both ends of the floor. Chen Ying-chun played a vital role in controlling the pace from the perimeter, contributing a steady 18 points that anchored the offense. In the paint, Maddie Ang battled relentlessly, finishing with 15 points and six rebounds to withstand Zhejiang’s interior pressure. Raymond earned praise for his defensive intensity, while Fan Ziming’s two crucial rebounds came precisely when the team needed them most. Fang Shuo then provided the defining moment—his fourth-quarter three-pointer ignited the arena, and his two subsequent blocks proved decisive in sealing the win.

This victory quietly reshaped the standings. Beijing Shougang moved up the table, overtaking rivals to squeeze into the top four. The gap to the teams ahead narrowed, while the pressure from behind eased slightly. Yet almost as soon as the celebrations faded, troubling news followed. Shortly after the game, the club confirmed that Zeng Fanbo had suffered a recurrence of his lower-back injury—not a new issue, but a lingering problem dating back to last season’s playoffs. He spent the entire offseason rehabbing and managing the condition, and even after returning, played with visible caution.

Over his past eight appearances, Zeng averaged 9.6 points and 2.5 rebounds. The numbers were modest, but they showed he was gradually rediscovering his rhythm. Now, with another setback and the prospect of an indefinite absence, the blow is significant for both the player and the team.

In the frontcourt, starting center Zhou Qi remains caught in the grip of injury as well. His eye condition has resurfaced, and given the sensitivity of the issue, extreme caution is required. He missed an extended stretch last season due to the same problem, and his return timetable is once again uncertain. The club has been clear in its stance: there will be no rush. Even if short-term results suffer, long-term health takes priority.

The backcourt brings little relief. Zhao Rui has been sidelined since early January after injuring his knee in training. His recovery has been uneven, with progress repeatedly stalling. While the coaching staff hopes he can return in the second phase of the season, that expectation feels more aspirational than assured. Over the past two seasons, recurring injuries have severely limited Zhao’s availability, turning his health into one of Shougang’s biggest concerns.

As things stand, none of these three players has a clear return date, and their absence throughout the first phase of the season is all but certain. Even in the most optimistic scenario, Zhou Qi’s situation appears only marginally more promising than the others.

Over the last two seasons, Beijing Shougang has invested heavily in the transfer market, with ambitions firmly set on a championship run. Yet the ongoing wave of injuries has prevented the strongest lineup from ever truly coming together. The win over Zhejiang deserves applause, but it felt like a victory fueled by sheer combustion—intense, exhausting, and difficult to replicate.

It is only natural for fans to ask hard questions. With such heavy investment, yet core players rotating through rehabilitation, how far can this title push realistically go? The season still has a long road ahead, and Shougang does have time to wait for reinforcements. But time, too, shows no mercy. If the injury situation drags on, even a return to the top four may not be enough. Can Beijing Shougang truly go all the way and lift the trophy under these circumstances?