The Liaoning Flying Leopards clinched their fourth Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) title, completing a dominant 4-0 sweep over the Xinjiang Flying Tigers to secure a historic three-peat on Wednesday. The victory, marking Liaoning's fifth consecutive finals appearance, solidifies its status as a dynasty in Chinese basketball history.

Team Liaoning Flying Tigers celebrate with the trophy during the awarding ceremony after the play-off final 4th leg match between Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Liaoning Flying Leopards at the 2023-2024 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Despite a regular season marked by a coaching change and key player injuries, Liaoning proved resilient. Early in the season, head coach Yang Ming stepped down, and assistant coach Hugo Lopez took over, leading the team to an undefeated first phase. However, star guard Guo Ailun suffered a season-ending thigh injury, and the team struggled against strong opponents like the Zhejiang Golden Bulls and Zhejiang Guangsha Lions.

Yang Ming's return in the third phase steadied the ship, and Liaoning finished the regular season with a 43-9 record, clinching the top seed for the playoffs. The team's dominance on the boards, led by veterans Han Dejun and Li Xiaoxu, underscored its motto: "Rebounding wins games."

In the playoffs, Liaoning swept the Shenzhen Aviators 3-0 before facing a formidable challenge from the Guangdong Southern Tigers, who pushed the semifinal series to five games.

Injuries and fatigue plagued Liaoning, but inspirational leadership from Zhang Zhenlin and Zhao Jiwei sparked a comeback.

In Game 4, substitute Liu Yanyu's breakout performance and Zhao Jiwei's return to form propelled Liaoning to a series-tying victory. In the decisive Game 5, Liaoning defeated Guangdong, securing its place in the finals.

Han Dejun (R) of Liaoning Flying Leopards shoots the ball during the play-off final 4th leg match between Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Liaoning Flying Leopards at the 2023-2024 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)

The finals against the Xinjiang Flying Tigers proved less dramatic. Liaoning's superior depth and experience, combined with the absence of Xinjiang's key player Zhao Rui due to injury, tilted the series heavily in Liaoning's favor.

Han Dejun and Fu Hao dominated inside in Game 1, while foreign player Kyle Fogg took charge in the subsequent games, leading Liaoning to a 4-0 sweep.

Fogg's exceptional performance in the finals, averaging 26.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and three assists per game, earned him the Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP) award, highlighting his crucial role in the team's success and his all-around skills.

Liaoning's championship journey is a testament to its resilience and growth. Years of finals appearances and hard-fought battles have molded Liaoning into a team with true championship blood. Liaoning's triumph not only cements its dynasty status but also sets a high standard for excellence in the CBA. 

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