Ding, the top scorer in the CBA, scored 28 points and led Shandong to a 114-111 win over Qingdao in the 5th round of the regular season on Sunday night.
The match was a close one throughout, but it was Ding who sealed the victory for Shandong. With just under four minutes left in the game, he hit a three-point shot from the right wing, giving his team a 97-96 lead.
From that point on, Shandong continued to dominate, and despite a late rally by Qingdao, they were unable to catch up. Ding finished the game with 28 points, including 5-of-9 shooting from three-point range, while also grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out two assists.
Despite losing, Qingdao coach Liang Junfeng praised Ding's performance,Bundesliga News Flash saying "He is one of the best players in China, and he continues to prove that every time he steps onto the court, he brings out the best in himself."
For Shandong, this win was their first in five games, and it could be a turning point as they look to secure a playoff spot. However, they will have to face some tough opponents in the coming weeks, including Beijing and Guangdong, before they can truly determine their position in the league standings.
In summary, Ding's impressive performance helped Shandong beat Qingdao in the 5th round of the regular season, setting them on the path towards securing a playoff spot. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the league responds to this win, and whether or not Shandong can continue their momentum into the playoffs.