JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - The rematch is a long time coming, but the memory still stings.
Jordan and China will meet again in the FIBA Asia Cup, reigniting a rivalry defined by heartbreak, dominance, and the closest Final in tournament history - the 2011 classic that ended 70–69 in China’s favor.
2011: A game, a gold, and a heartbreak
It’s the kind of loss that lingers for over a decade. Jordan, led by Rasheim Wright’s 26 points, had China on the ropes in the 2011 Asia Cup Final. Wright nailed the clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 69-all with less than two minutes to go. However, he would miss the go-ahead basket attempt with 40 seconds left in the game.
The missed three-pointer led to a rebound by Yi Jianlian. The Chinese star was immediately fouled by Ali Jamal Zaghab, leading to the free-throw attempts that gave China the lead - and the Asia Cup title.
Yi delivered a monster 25-point, 16-rebound, 6-block performance. He came up with the clutch defensive plays as the game went down to the wire — the first and only Asia Cup Final ever decided by a single point.
China escaped with gold. Jordan was left with silver, their best-ever finish - and a loss that’s defined their golden generation ever since.
A one-sided series - almost
China has dominated this head-to-head overall, winning 10 of 11 Asia Cup meetings. The only exception came in 2007, when Jordan shocked the powerhouse with a 78–65 win - a brief glimpse of what could have been a power shift.
But history hasn’t been kind since. Jordan hasn’t reached the Semi-Finals since 2011. China, while not as consistent as their heyday, still managed to claim another title in 2015 and remain the most decorated team in Asia Cup history with 16 championships.
World Cup Qualifiers: A twist in the tale
While China owns the Asia Cup rivalry, Jordan has struck back on other stages. In the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, China won the first matchup 88–79, but Jordan blew them out in the rematch 86–62. It was a rare moment of dominance from Jordan in a rivalry where those moments have been few and far between.
This isn’t just another group-stage game. For Jordan, it's a shot at payback, a reminder that they were once one point away from Asia Cup glory. For China, it's about restoring control over a rivalry that, at least for one unforgettable night in 2011, nearly slipped from their grasp.
FIBA