Zeng Fanbo #12 of Brooklyn Nets defends Dillon Brooks #3 of Phoenix Suns during NBA China Games 2025 between Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets in China's Macao Special Administrative Region, October 10, 2025. /VCG
Zeng Fanbo #12 of Brooklyn Nets defends Dillon Brooks #3 of Phoenix Suns during NBA China Games 2025 between Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets in China's Macao Special Administrative Region, October 10, 2025. /VCG
In a thrilling overtime contest at the NBA China Games in Macao SAR on Friday, the Phoenix Suns edged out the Brooklyn Nets 132-127. The game held special significance for Chinese forward Zeng Fanbo, who returned to compete in his home country as a member of the Nets. Prior to tip-off, Zeng was selected as the Nets' player representative and delivered the pre-game speech for his team. Brooklyn started strong, with Cam Thomas making an early layup to help establish an 11-2 lead. Thomas continued his hot hand, extending the gap to 25-8 by contributing 14 points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting in the opening quarter. Zeng checked into the game with 3:06 remaining in the second quarter. Shortly after entering, he switched onto Devin Booker but was called for a blocking foul after overcommitting on the closeout. Not long after, the Chinese forward stripped Dillon Brooks from behind for a steal. Zeng finished the first half with one steal and two fouls, as the Nets took a 12-point lead into the break. Phoenix enhanced their offensive execution in the second half, steadily closing the gap and eventually forcing overtime. Zeng did not see additional playing time in the extra period, as the Suns went on to secure a 132-127 victory. The two teams are set for a second matchup on Sunday.
Reflecting on the experience, Zeng said, "I'm definitely happy with how things went. Getting to experience this level of competition right here at home feels like a real blessing. My last official game was a few months back, so there has been quite a gap. I missed a lot over the summer, and this was my first real action after just twenty days of training. But the intensity was right where it needed to be. Personally, I feel I have taken steps forward."