China basketball officials investigate match-fixing claims as fans blast ‘outrageous’ Shanghai Sharks play-off victory

Fans and media cry foul after late drama in the Sharks’ CBA play-offs game 3 win over the Dragons

Governing body the Chinese Basketball Association promises ‘severe’ punishments if any rule violations are found

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Antonio Blakeney (centre) of Jiangsu Dragons vies for the ball during a Chinese Basketball Association first round play-off match against Shanghai Sharks. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 12:54pm, 15 Apr 2023

Chinese basketball has been plunged into fresh crisis, with officials announcing early on Saturday they will investigate a controversial play-off match between the Shanghai Sharks and the Jiangsu Dragons.

Leading 100-96 with 1 minute and 36 seconds left in Game 3 in the first round of the CBA playoffs on Friday, the Dragons conceded multiple consecutive turnovers at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, which led to a 10-0 surge from the Sharks, who eventually won 108-104 to clinch the series 2-1 and reach the quarterfinals.

Many fans and members of the media then made accusations that the match had been fixed for the home side following its dramatic conclusion.

“The Chinese Basketball Association attaches great importance to the fact the match between Shanghai Sharks and Jiangsu Dragons in the CBA playoffs on April 14 sparked strong doubts from the media and fans, and asked the two clubs to report the situation in writing,” a statement from the governing body read.

Melo Trimble of Shanghai Sharks goes for a lay-up against Jiangsu Dragons during game 3 on April 14, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

“The Chinese Basketball Association and CBA League will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the game, and will announce the results in a timely manner after the results are obtained.