No joy for Southern Tigers
Updated: 2012-04-01 08:08
By Sun Xiaochen(China Daily)
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After losing the CBA Finals, four games to one, the Guangdong Southern Tigers were shattered, but expect to bounce back next season.
"We have nothing to blame but ourselves," Guangdong manager Liu Hongjiang said after leaving the award ceremony at MasterCard Center on Friday. "We will sum up the whole season's performance back in Guangdong and put everything behind us and start over again next year."
After a 12-day layover, Guangdong found it hard to regain its momentum and make effective adjustments against Beijing, an opponent it didn't expect .
"It's probably the worst season I've ever experienced. I am struggling in a low period, mentally and physically," said Guangdong's MVP forward Wang Shipeng, who averaged 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in the Finals.
"I thought about giving up, but I have to continue to fight because we still have so much crowd support behind us."
Guangdong missed out on the chance to equal the Bayi Rockets' record eight titles. It was its ninth straight appearance in the Finals.
Still, the new champions gave credit to the old ones.
"They are a great team," said Ducks forward Randolph Morris. "They've been here before with a lot of experience. So for us to beat a seven-time champion, it's amazing. They won't go away easy. They came out and will come back soon. Guangdong is the No 1 team in the league of all time."
Guangdong failed to play to its potential, relying too heavily on the foreign tandem of Aaron Brooks and James Singleton, who were out-played by the Ducks' duo of Stephon Marbury and Morris.
Brooks, who decided to stay when the NBA lockout ended in November, said he's done his best.
"It's a pity to miss out on the championship. We could have the chance to come back for a better result. But we didn't make it. I've done what I can," Brooks told the Beijing Times.
For a team that's been on top so long, a rest may do some good.
"It's a hard year for Guangdong after the veterans' retirement. Some of its main guys are not in their best form," said renowned commentator Xu Jicheng. "It may be a new inspiration for them. The loss will make them hungry again for a title."
According to the Beijing Times, Guangdong missed out on the opportunity to win at least 30 million yuan ($4.8 million) prize money after losing to Beijing.
sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
(China Daily 04/01/2012 page8)