The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN guard Franco Miller Jr continues to excel in his inaugural China season scoring 21 points and dished out eight assists for the Ningbo Rockets, but his efforts were not enough to prevent a 85-76 defeat to the Jilin Northeast Tigers in Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) action yesterday.

Miller also recorded two steals in the game as Ningbo surrendered a nine-point half-time lead to suffer another defeat in the early stages of the 2026-27 campaign. The Rockets held a 50-41 advantage at the break after taking control in the opening quarter, but their offensive production dropped considerably in the second half as Jilin mounted its comeback.

Ningbo managed just 26 points after half-time, including 15 in the third quarter and 11 in the fourth, allowing Jilin to take control of the game and secure the victory.

The result followed another productive outing for Miller against Guangdong on Saturday.

In that game, he scored 23 points and added six assists in an 86-77 defeat. He also connected on five of his nine attempts from three-point range.

Miller had previously contributed 16 points and six assists against Beijing Royal Fighters on October 17, before recording 13 points and eight assists against Shanxi Loongs on October 20. He added seven points and eight assists against Fujian on October 22.

The Bahamian guard has continued to contribute as both a scorer and playmaker for Ningbo, with his ability to create opportunities for teammates complementing his offensive production.

Despite Miller’s contributions, the Rockets will be looking to improve their consistency as the season progresses, particularly after struggling to maintain their early advantage against Jilin.

Ningbo will aim to turn its recent performances into victories as it continues its CBA campaign.