Chen Hsuen-shiang's outstanding week of play, including a combined 7-for-14 shooting from behind the three-point line, landed the second-year Bank of Taiwan power forward this week's Super Basketball League's (SBL) Player of the Week award.
The former ETTV Antelope, who joined the bankers at the start of this season, came off the bench during their tough three-game stretch last week and averaged 16.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals to help guide his team to a 2-1 mark, and a firm grip of the fourth-and-final playoff spot.
"You must be joking. How could I possibly win it? (Player of the Week award)," a surprised Chen reacted after learning about his first-ever selection for the weekly honor.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SBL
"I am completely satisfied with what he has done for us this year," Banker's Coach Wei Chen-ming said about Chen earlier this week.
Chen and his banking buddies will have a chance to extend their winning streak to three with tonight's contest against the 2-22 YMY, before Sunday's tough battle versus league-leaders Yulon Dinos.
The bankers should not have too much trouble in the game against YMY, given their current momentum and YMY's dismal 21-game losing streak. They not only matchup very well against YMY in every position, but also enjoy a much deeper bench, which should help them conserve enough energy for Sunday's game.
As for the game against the Dinos, the bankers will have to play a near-flawless game to keep pace with the defending champs who are expected to come into the game on Sunday riding on a four-game winning streak.
Following the bankers' game with YMY, the Dinos will take on the Videoland Hunters in the Game 2 slot in what should be an easy win for the Dinos, given the Hunters' inconsistent offense and the Dinos' clear advantage in overall team speed.
For the Hunters to even have a chance of winning this game, they must hit the majority of outside shots against the Dinos zone defense to draw the defenders out, then hope for penetration by the guards to create some easy baskets inside the paint.
Slasher Yang Tseh-yi must have a big game for the Hunters from his shooting guard/small forward position as he is the Hunters best chance for creating mismatches against the Dinos. He is too quick for the Dinos' big men and can use his height advantage.
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