Liaoning become 7th CBA champions after sweeping Guangsha

As a founding member of the league, Liaoning has finally got their first CBA championship after 22 years of play.

Liaoning beat Zhejiang Guangsha 100-88, sweeping the regular season champion 4-0 to take home the CBA title after six second-place finishes in previous seasons.

Liaoning players raise the 2017-18 season CBA championship trophy after they defeated Guangsha 100-88 and swept the regular season champion in CBA finals at Lioaning's home arena on Apr 22, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

Liaoning's head coach Guo Shiqinag said: "I'm truly happy right now. We've made another history. Last year we won the first National Games title in 58 years and today we made the first CBA champion in 23 years. We've waited too long for this title of the professional league, but true happiness always comes after setbacks. 

"We as a team have paid too much for the past four years, especially our players. I thank them. I'm not that excellent, but my players are."

Former NBA guard Lester Hudson was elected Finals MVP by averaging over 30 points in the Finals.

It was the fourth season in Liaoning for the 34-year-old veteran.

Liaoning players throw finals MVP Lester Hudson up in the air to celebrate their first ever CBA title on Apr 22, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

Liaoning guard Guo Ailun burst into tear after the final whistle. He lost two previous Finals series and the championship meant a lot to the Chinese national team starting point guard.

"I've never thought I could made it today after we went through all the difficulties. Lately I couldn't even have a good sleep because of the physical and mental pressure the finals bring to me. Now I know finals are totally different from regular season games. That's just two basketballs in terms of physical and mental intensity."

It was also Guangsha's first CBA Finals series. Their two losses at home seemed to affect their confidence.

Liaoning eliminated Beijing and Guangdong in the playoffs to reach the finals. They ranked second in the CBA regular season.