The CBA quarterfinals reached a decisive moment as the Guangdong Southern Tigers faced off against the Beijing Ducks in a winner-takes-all Game 3. After a 1-1 tie in the series, the stakes were clear: victory meant advancing to the semifinals, while defeat meant an early exit from the playoffs. Both teams were fully prepared, but one incident highlighted just how rigorous the leadership of Du Feng, Guangdong’s head coach, truly is.
To ensure the team was ready for this crucial game, Du Feng brought the squad to Beijing well ahead of schedule for early practice at the Wukesong Arena. However, during their departure from the hotel for training, an amusing yet telling episode unfolded. A group of fans had gathered, hoping for autographs and photos with the players. In a considerate gesture, Guangdong guard Zhang Wenyi began signing autographs for the enthusiastic supporters. Unfortunately, this caused him to miss the team bus departure.
When the designated departure time arrived, Du Feng did not hesitate. Without a second thought, he instructed the driver to start the bus, leaving Zhang Wenyi stranded at the hotel entrance. The player had no choice but to take a taxi to the training facility on his own. This incident serves as a stark reminder of Du Feng’s unwavering commitment to discipline and punctuality. He places no tolerance for delays, emphasizing that rules are strict and must be followed exactly. This level of rigor is a key reason why Guangdong has consistently remained a top contender in the CBA.
Furthermore, it underscores how seriously Du Feng views this pivotal matchup against Beijing. He demands complete focus and maximum effort from his players, especially given the talent gap in certain positions, such as the interior and frontcourt, where Guangdong lacks depth. To overcome Beijing’s advantages, every player must be fully committed to the game plan. Whether Guangdong can emerge victorious remains to be seen, but the answer will soon be revealed.
