Five players scored double digits as the Zhejiang Golden Bulls showed their prowess in a commanding 114-86 win against the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Thursday.

Moses Wright (L) of Shanxi Loongs competes during the 5th round match between Shandong Heroes and Shanxi Loongs at 2023-2024 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

After a tentative first quarter, Zhejiang shifted gears in the second, with Reginald Perry's impressive paint plays helping them extend their halftime lead to 55-39.

Zhejiang didn't let-up in the second half as Yu Jiahao's quick follow-up and Wang Yibo's three-pointers further widened the gap.

The final quarter was a mere formality as Zhejiang maintained their stronghold on the game. Wu Qian contributed 11 points and 10 assists, while Perry got 25 points and 14 rebounds.

The Shandong Heroes seized the initiative against the Shanxi Loongs at home in the third quarter, establishing a double-digit lead. Shandong continued their momentum going into the final quarter, with a 12-0 run extending their lead to over 20 points.

But Shanxi were reluctant to concede defeat. Russia's Alexey Shved orchestrated intricate plays on his debut, while Zhang Ning and Xing Zhiqiang rained down three-pointers to gradually narrow the point differential.

With just 30 seconds left, Ge Zhaobao's shot from behind the arc brought Shanxi within a mere two points. They had the chance to tie the game after Tao Hanlin missed one free throw, but Zhang's three-point attempt missed the target and Shandong escaped with a 117-114 win.

Troy Gillenwater had 24 points in Shandong's win, while Shved contributed 20 points and 15 assists.

Also on Thursday, the Beijing Ducks pulled off a 100-90 road victory over the Ningbo Rockets to register their fifth consecutive win in as many games.

The final two matches of the fifth round will be held on Friday, with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers to visit the Shanghai Sharks, and the Sichuan Blue Whales to host the Qingdao Eagles.