Team Super Engine steam NBA 5v5 finals
THE finals of 2018 NBA 5v5 was held in Shanghai this weekend in front of the landmark Oriental Pearl TV Tower in the Pudong New Area.
This year’s NBA 5v5 gathered 32 teams from around the country since July to compete in cities of Guangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing and Chengdu for regional championship. The four regional champion teams then gathered in Shanghai to compete in the finals on Saturday and yesterday together with China’s Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Philippines and South Korea. The total prize money was 1 million yuan (US$146,000), won by Team Super Engine from Hangzhou, which beat Guangzhou’s Team Dispatch 58-53.
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond and Philadelphia 76ers dancers also showed up to cheer the competitors. Drummond presented a rap performance and interacted with local fans during intervals.
“It’s the first time I sing for fans out of the US,” said the American. “Music helps me to ease pressure during competitions, and I hope it works for the players here too.”
Drummond said he has kept good communication with head coach Dwane Casey. The Pistons finished the 2017-18 term with a 39-43 record and missed the playoffs. Drummond added the season averaged 15 points and 16 rebounds per game.
“I have been practicing threepointers this summer. I believe I can lead the team further next season with Blake Griffin,” said Drummond.