Sichuan Jinqiang Blue Whales edged Jilin Northeast Tigers 91-88 in a CBA thriller on October 20, 2026, sealing the win with a late defensive stop and two clutch free throws.

Match overview

Jilin Northeast Tigers and Sichuan Jinqiang Blue Whales produced a back-and-forth contest that came down to the final possession. Jilin led 44-42 at halftime, but Sichuan controlled the third quarter and held a 66-64 edge heading into the final period.

• First quarter: Jilin Northeast Tigers 21-22 Sichuan Jinqiang
• Second quarter: Jilin Northeast Tigers 23-20 Sichuan Jinqiang
• Third quarter: Jilin Northeast Tigers 20-24 Sichuan Jinqiang
• Fourth quarter: Jilin Northeast Tigers 24-25 Sichuan Jinqiang
• Final: Jilin Northeast Tigers 88-91 Sichuan Jinqiang

The game featured 12 ties and nine lead changes. Neither team led by more than six points, and the final two minutes were played at a playoff-like intensity.

Key moments

With the score tied at 86-86 and 45 seconds remaining, Sichuan ran a patient possession that ended with a baseline jumper from their veteran forward. Jilin answered with a free throw to cut the deficit to 89-88, but Sichuan made two free throws on the next possession to push the lead back to three.

Jilin had one final chance to tie, but their three-pointer from the top of the key was contested and missed. Sichuan secured the rebound, and the buzzer confirmed a narrow road win. The final possession was a fitting end to a game in which both teams traded big shots down the stretch.

Tactical story

Sichuan’s half-court execution was the difference. They ran their offense through the high post, using handoffs and back cuts to create mismatches. Jilin’s defense was active but often a step late, and Sichuan made them pay with timely offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

Jilin stayed in the game with three-point shooting and transition baskets. Jiang Weize was aggressive attacking the rim, and the hosts forced several turnovers in the third quarter. However, Sichuan’s ability to slow the pace in the final five minutes limited Jilin’s transition opportunities and forced them into contested jump shots.

Standout players

Jiang Weize led Jilin Northeast Tigers with 24 points and six assists, consistently creating offense off the dribble. Sichuan’s backcourt duo combined for 37 points, with Wang Xinkai scoring 21 and Jing Hanyi adding 18 points and nine rebounds. Sichuan’s veteran forward also made the go-ahead basket in the final minute.

Season impact

The win gives Sichuan Jinqiang Blue Whales a valuable road result in the CBA standings and reinforces their ability to execute in close games. For Jilin Northeast Tigers, it is a painful loss in a game they led at halftime, but their fight until the final buzzer was encouraging. In a league where home-court advantage matters, Sichuan’s composure down the stretch stood out.