JAKARTA – China coach Li Nan said playing against the Philippines in the 18th Asian Games was a great test for his team.
China beat the Philippines, 82-80, in their first game of the Asiad with Zhou Qi and Ding Yanyuhang reinforcing the team against fellow NBA player Jordan Clarkson. China trailed by three late, but made big baskets in the end to pull off the come-from-behind win.
“That was a great game for us and a very good experience. Our guys can play with two NBA players on the court,” said Li, when asked by Filipino reporters on Saturday during the gold medal match against Iran.
China beat Iran, 84-72, in the gold medal match with Abudushalamalu Abudurexiti scoring 20 points and shooting 4-of-5 from three-point range.
Li, who played in four Olympic games for China, said the players drew confidence from that close win against the Philippines.
“We got lucky, we beat them by two points in the last minute. We want our players after that game to build their confidence and bring the team a step higher,” said Li.
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