SHENYANG - The defending champions Liaoning Flying Leopards clinched a comfortable 119-97 home victory over the Guangdong Southern Tigers as the semifinals of the 2023-24 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league got underway on Wednesday.

Following a closely contested first quarter, Liaoning held a narrow 32-31 lead. Guangdong briefly surged ahead in the second quarter, fueled by consecutive baskets from sharpshooter Tremont Waters, but Liaoning regained control before halftime.

Guangdong struggled with their three-point shooting after halftime, allowing Liaoning to extend their lead in front of the home crowd. Despite Guangdong's attempts to rally in the final period, Liaoning's reserves held firm to secure the win.

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Despite Guangdong's attempts to rally in the final period, Liaoning's reserves held firm to secure the win

Liaoning star forward Zhang Zhenlin had a game-high 34 points. Point guard Zhao Jiwei contributed 19 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds. Veteran center Han Dejun recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Guangdong's Xu Jie led his team with 20 points, and Waters added 19.

With their sights set on a third consecutive CBA title, Liaoning took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

"As Guangdong played without its star center Zhou Qi, our victory wasn't that convincing," commented Yang Ming, head coach of Liaoning. "We had a wonderful third quarter, when the players found the rhythm beyond the arc."

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The two teams will face off again in Game 2 on Liaoning's home court on Friday.