Only one point away & Hu Mingxuan missed the game-winner, the Chinese men's basketball team narrowly lost and claimed the runner-up title, which can be described in four words

On August 18, Beijing time, the final of the Men's Basketball Asian Cup concluded with an exciting showdown between the Chinese and Australian men's basketball teams. The match was full of twists and turns, with China losing to Australia 89-90. Although they missed the championship, the runner-up finish is the best in a decade. Hu Mingxuan had an outstanding performance, scoring 26 points, but unfortunately missed the chance to win the game!

The Chinese men's basketball team entered this Asian Cup with a light heart, fielding a squad of young players. Our overall performance was commendable, showcasing excellent team basketball, with rapid improvements in three-point shooting and free throws, winning all four matches to reach the semifinals. In the semifinals, facing the formidable New Zealand team, we withstood the pressure and overturned our opponents, reaching the Asian Cup final for the first time in ten years, a delightful surprise that fueled our motivation. In the final, we faced the strong Australian men's basketball team. Although they didn't have NBA players, they remained the top team in terms of strength, dominating their path to the finals, and they even crushed Iran by 44 points in the semifinals!

Against the Australian men's basketball team, we played very calmly, starting efficiently and building a significant 15-point lead. However, in the latter stages, Australia launched a 12-0 run to equalize the score, followed by a 9-0 run to take the lead. Thanks to Hu Mingxuan's explosive performance, we managed to stay close in the game. As the two teams battled until the last moment, we trailed by one point. Unfortunately, Hu Mingxuan's three-pointer missed, and the Chinese men's basketball team lost by a single point, unable to pull off an upset against Australia!

I must say this game was truly heartbreaking. We were just one step away from the championship, merely one shot away, which is incredibly disappointing. Hu Mingxuan was phenomenal throughout the game, but his last three-point attempt slipped, hitting the backboard and bouncing out, almost leading to an upset that likely startled Australia. For the Chinese men's basketball team, this game can be summed up in four words: though defeated, still honored. This new Chinese men's basketball team is gradually aligning with global basketball standards, and the future looks promising. We can give Guo Shiqiang more time to strive for qualification for the Olympics. Let's go!

By: Sports Novel