The heated rivalry between the Beijing Ducks and Guangdong Southern Tigers has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in CBA history. As the two teams prepare for another do-or-die Game 3 in the 2026 playoffs, it’s worth revisiting the legendary showdowns that defined this historic matchup.
**2012 CBA Finals: Marbury Overthrows a Dynasty**
The 2012 Finals marked the beginning of this legendary rivalry. Guangdong, dominant champion at the time, faced an underdog Beijing team led by Stephon Marbury. Few expected Marbury to dismantle the dynasty with his unstoppable drives and killer instinct. Beijing won the series 4-1, securing their first championship in franchise history. Every game felt like a war, with Marbury repeatedly attacking the paint despite taking heavy contact. His aggressive play even sparked Li Chunjiang’s infamous line, “If he takes him down, the fault is mine,” which became a viral moment in CBA lore.
**2014 & 2015: Grind, Guts, and Buzzer-Beaters**
From 2014 onward, Beijing and Guangdong collided in consecutive playoff semifinals, pushing the rivalry to its physical peak. The 2014 series went the full five games, with Marbury fouling out in a battle of attrition where every possession was a fight. The 2015 semifinal Game 4 is widely considered one of the greatest games in CBA history. With 6.6 seconds left, Marbury nailed a clutch three to tie the game, and Zhu Yanxi’s putback at the buzzer sealed the victory in overtime. Yi Jianlian posted a monstrous 31 points and 24 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough. Beijing’s elimination of Guangdong for two straight years forced the Southern Tigers into a full rebuild, eventually leading to the retirements of Wang Shipeng and Zhu Fangyu.
**2020 & 2021: Sonny Weems – The King of Clutch**
By 2020, Sonny Weems took center stage in the Beijing-Guangdong saga. In Game 1 of the 2020 semifinals, Guangdong trailed by 19 points late, and it seemed Beijing would steal the series opener. But Weems carried his team back, dragging the game into overtime and completing a massive comeback. He finished with 40 points, hitting daggers at every turn. In the decisive Game 3, Yi Jianlian played through injury, and his free throws in the final seconds sealed the win. The 2021 quarterfinals, a one-game elimination format, was even more brutal. Once again, Weems rose to the occasion, hitting a step-back buzzer-beater to give Guangdong a 104-103 victory. Beijing was one defensive stop away from winning, but Weems simply refused to lose.
**2026 Quarterfinal Game 2: The Clutch Gene Lives On**
Just two days ago, in Game 2 of the current series, Guangdong faced a double-digit deficit and appeared headed to a 0-2 hole. Import guard Quinn posted a near triple-double with 39 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, keeping his team alive. On the final possession, Xu Jie found Zhang Haojia, who drained a corner three at the buzzer. 102-99. Guangdong escaped elimination. Beijing and Guangdong, win-or-go-home games never disappoint, and the hero moments keep flowing.
Now, the series is tied 1-1, setting up a single-game elimination finale. Can Beijing recreate the magic of 2015 on their home floor, or will Guangdong extend the legacy of Weems’ clutch gene? The players may change, but the intensity of this rivalry never fades. Tonight’s game promises another classic chapter in one of CBA’s greatest rivalries.