The 2024 NBL Championship Series is set, with the Tasmania JackJumpers once again featuring as they look to win their first-ever title against Melbourne United.
Read on for a full wrap of how both teams got there, with Tasmania making a statement against Perth while United held off a plucky Illawarra outfit.
EMOTIONS HIGH FOR ROTH AS JACKJUMPERS CONTINUE CHARGE
The Tasmania JackJumpers will contest their second NBL championship series despite only having been in the competition for three seasons.
The JackJumpers became the only team across both semi-final series to win on the road, when they beat the Wildcats 100-84 at RAC Arena on Wednesday night.
Perth looked lively in the first half, but could only manage a three-point lead, which came midway through the second quarter.
Then Scott Roth’s boys took control.
Led by a season-high 27 points from Jack McVeigh, the JackJumpers outscored Perth 48-41 after half-time and were always in control.
“The island defended. Love those people back in Tasmania, this team loves you, we’re coming back home,” an emotional Roth told John Casey post-game.
“… It’s all about defending the island and taking care of this state.”
Nothing to lose
So, Tasmania will play Melbourne United in a five-game series, after United won Game 3 of their semi-final series against Illawarra Hawks earlier on Wednesday.
Game 1 is on Sunday at John Cain Arena.
In the past 10 years, eight championships have been won by teams entering the playoffs from one of top-two positions on the table.
The Sydney Kings (2021-22) and the Perth Wildcats (2016-17) both won titles from third spot in that time, where the JackJumpers were ranked after qualifying.
Tassie will start underdog, but that won’t bother them.
Some Milton magic
It was Milton Doyle who broke the game open in the second term, dropping 11 points for the quarter to give the visitors a nine-point lead at half-time.
Bryce Cotton had just started the term on fire, with the first five points, as the Cats went on a nine-point run either side of the quarter-time break.
The four-times MVP scored 10 points in the second term.
But when Doyle dropped the first two points of the second half, the JackJumpers lead went to 11 points. It didn’t get back below nine.
Doyle finished with 24 points and nine assists.
Milton Doyle wins possession for the ball against Keanu Pinder. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Talls just too big
Import Marcus Lee returning to the JackJumpers was just one too many tall for the Wildcats to handle.
Lee missed his side’s home victory in Game 2, suspended for unduly rough play on Jordan Usher, deemed to be intentional, medium impact and high contact.
The rebound count was 40-31 Tasmania’s way. The JackJumpers pulled in 13 offensive boards.
They were able to add 58 points from inside the paint as a result.
Will Magnay continued his terrific late-season form, with nine boards and 18 points.
Keanu Pinder had his hands full. Having scored 25 points in Game 1 of the semi-final, his frustrations from Game 2 continued to Wednesday. He didn’t score at all.
Perth scoring woes
Remember when the Wildcats went on a seven-game run mid-season, scoring triple figure totals in every game?
They reached 100 in 10 of 14 games.
But over their finals campaign, scoring hasn’t been that easy.
Cotton again led the way on Wednesday night, scoring 21 points. The four-times NBL MVP dropped all three attempts from three-point territory.
But after him, it was slim pickings. Hyrum Harris contributed 13 points, but no one else made it to double figures.
Magnay goes huge as Jackjumpers win | 02:00
‘UNBELIEVABLE’ DELLY HELPS UNITED TO VICTORY
The pressure on Melbourne United to close out a semi final series it was heavily favoured in was immense.
A basketball nation jumped on board the Illawarra Hawks bandwagon and were waiting to point and laugh at a top-ranked United if they were to slip up.
But United showed its championship credentials, standing up when it counted most in a do-or-die game and declaring the Hawks fairytale would end in their house.
Dean Vickerman’s team advanced to their first NBL championship series since 2020-21 with another tight 100-94 win in game 3 at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night.
United exorcised the demons of 2021-22 when a fourth-ranked Tasmania JackJumpers shocked top-seeded United to take game three of their semi final series.
It was all hands on deck for United with all five starters, led by 22 points from point guard Shea Ili, and sixth man Ian Clark scoring in double digits.
Matthew Dellavedova made some big plays. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
United’s offence was sharp early and a little less predictable than their go-to-Jo Lual-Acuil Jr start in game 2.
The Hawks were caught on the hop as United opened up what would prove to be an unassailable 21-6 lead.
Hawks coach Justin Tatum was not liking what he saw and called a time out just three minutes in.
It lit a fire in Hawks forward Wani Swaka Lo Buluk who unceremoniously barged through hometown favourite Chris Goulding.
Three triples from Hawks guard Justin Robinson trimmed a 15-point deficit to just six at quarter time.
United came out with a stronger defensive focus in the second.
Veteran Matthew Dellavedova typified that when he dove head first over the advertising boards in a bid to try and save a ball.
The Hawks stuck around with Robinson, who had 19 points and seven assists, a key reason, the sixth man playing his best game of the series.
Robinson was the one Hawk that was able to penetrate with regularity.
Hawks centre Sam Froling was ever-present inside the paint with 23 points.
When Robinson connected on an alley-oop with Froling, United’s lead was cut to three, but two late Shea Ili’s threes had United up 54-47 at half time.
United opened the third quarter on a 9-0 run to have their biggest lead of the night at 16.
Smooth-as-silk United forward Luke Travers, who finished with a double double 15 points and 11 rebounds, was getting to the hoop at will and providing efficient scoring.
A four-point play to Hyunjung Lee late in the third boosted the Hawks spirits.
The Hawks were not going to simply roll over, but they just couldn’t bridge a gap that hovered around 10, particularly with their slipshod 63% free throw shooting (24/38).
Target on his back
If United was going to get beaten, they didn’t want to get beaten by Gary Clark.
Clark, the game 2 star for the Hawks, was met with a double team nearly every time he took possession in the first half.
The former NBA player was bereft of ideas for most of the night and finished with just 14 points, a significant win for United.
Ty-ed down
Hawks guard Tyler Harvey endured a hellish night.
The 30-year-old had a killer mentality in game 2, but it eluded him on this occasion.
When the star scorer went to the bench in the third quarter with four fouls, he only had a single point to his name and finished with just nine.
With his team seconds away from a famous victory, little-used Illawarra Hawks point guard Kyle Adnam inexplicably threw the ball away from the inbounds pass with 18 seconds left in regulation, and Melbourne United gleefully accepted the donation, scoring through Chris Goulding to take the game to overtime.
Staring a 16-point deficit in the face early in the fourth quarter, United pulled off a miraculous come-from-behind win to take game one of the best-of-three semi final series 115-106 in overtime at a rocking John Cain Arena on Thursday night.
Chants of “Melbourne” rained down as the pro-United crowd showed their appreciation for the never-say-die attitude of their team.
United can clinch their first trip to the NBL grand final since 2020-21 with a win in game two in Illawarra on Sunday.
Veteran guard Matthew Dellavedova was the architect for United.
The 33-year-old produced his game of the season with 30 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and four steals.
His impact was so significant, the crowd was chanting “MVP” when Dellavedoca went to the free throw line late in the game.
Talented young forward Luke Travers was instrumental with 24 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two and Goulding bobbed up at crucial times with 18 points, including four threes.
The Hawks have gone close the past two times against United, but the minor premiers have their measure.
That is five straight wins for United over the Hawks and Justin Tatum’s men must be wondering what they have to do to break through for a victory.
The quality of play in the first half was straight from the top shelf.
Hawks centre Sam Froling’s finesse on the inside saw the visitors settle the better.
Froling, who had a team-high 26 points, was aggressive with 17 first half points and caused headaches for United starting centre Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.
United’s slow start was remedied by Travers, who started to take over.
Locked in Luke
Travers was clearly locked in, as you would expect from a player who opted to sit out national representation to focus on United’s playoffs.
Hawks import forward Gary Clark went up a notch for the playoffs with 22 points and 12 rebounds, but he will be frustrated by his five turnovers.
Goulding, who had knocked down a three-pointer in 57 consecutive games, hit three first half triples.
With the Hawks leading by four midway through the second, Dellavedova took a stand, stealing the ball off a driving Clark and transitioning for a three.
It was the catalyst to United taking the lead for the first time in the game.
Sam the man
But the Froling show rolled on.
The league’s Next Generation Award recipient was nigh on unstoppable.
His stand out play helped the Hawks go on a 6-0 run and take a 57-56 lead at half time.
The Hawks came out of half time with all guns blazing, going on a 7-0 run, as United struggled to match the Hawks up tempo style,
Up 16 early in the fourth, the Hawks looked set to cause an upset, but United came roaring back to steal victory in overtime.
Public enemy
Justin Robinson had a target on his back all game.
Robinson was charged with an unsportsmanlike foul when he bowled over United fan favourite Shea Ili in a play straight from an AFL playbook and it drew the ire of the home fans.
The United fans made their displeasure known, booing the American in unison.
NBL SCOREBOARD
Melbourne United 115 (Dellavedova 30 Travers 24 Goulding 18) d Illawarra Hawks 106 (Froling 26 Clark 22 Harvey 15)
The NBL Finals are here but first we must find out who will join the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United in booking their spot in the race to the title.
The JackJumpers and Hawks will be battling it out for one spot while the Kings are looking to keep their three-peat dream alive against the Breakers.
Read on for the key storylines to follow ahead of the NBL Play-In games!
JACKJUMPERS – Is this the year they bring a title home?
The Tasmania JackJumpers were the fairytale story of NBL22, eliminating top-of-the-table Melbourne United on the way to a Grand Final Berth in their maiden season in the league.
But now, after becoming the only team to finish inside the top four in the past three seasons, Tasmania head coach Scott Roth said it is time to deliver a championship for the state.
“They’ve been the underdogs for quite a few years down there,” Roth told reporters at the league’s official finals launch press conference.
“They have a chip on their shoulder and for me personally, I’d love to win one, but it’s not going to make or break me. I’d really love it for the state and everything we’ve built over the last three years – the consistency, the sustainability.
“A lot of these clubs have a lot of history on their side, we’re just starting to create our history and to have our third year in a row in the top four is a remarkable achievement by the organisation.
“To win a championship for Tasmania would be a thrill of a lifetime obviously and we’re going to do everything to defend the island.”
Tasmania JackJumpers Head Coach Scott Roth. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It was not all going to plan last month though, with Tasmania losing six of its last eight games as Roth conceded he wasn’t sure if the team was going to be able to turn it around.
In fact, he went as far as to say the JackJumpers could’ve gone on to drop all six games.
Instead, they won five to enter the Play-In as one of the league’s most in-form teams and threatening to make a push for another grand final.
And for ex-NBL player Lanard Copeland, as much as winning a championship is more about Tasmania than Roth, he believes a lot of the team’s success goes back to the man who has been there right from the start.
That extends to off the court too, where Roth understands the power of every word.
“He knows what he’s doing,” Lanard Copeland said on NBL Overtime.
“That was reverse psychology [when he said] we’re going to lose six in a row because he knows what he’s working with. He’s done it since he’s been there.”
Now he may have the JackJumpers on the verge of another magic run, this time with expectations of going all the way.
Cotton joins Gaze with 4th NBL MVP | 00:56
HAWKS – The doubters fuelling stunning rise of ‘slighted’ Hawks
Tasmania winning its first-ever championship would obviously still qualify as a feel-good NBL story, but when it comes to underdogs to get behind this season it is hard to go past the Illawarra Hawks.
The Hawks have been on a fairytale run of their own to the post-season, led by new coach Justin Tatum who last week re-signed with the club for an additional three years.
Tatum, the father of Boston Celtics superstar Jayson, was appointed caretaker coach of the Hawks back in November after Jacob Jackomas was sacked following the club’s 2-7 start to the season.
Illawarra looked on a downward spiral having won just three of its 28 games the season prior to finish with the franchise’s worst-ever record, only further removing it from previous success under former head coach Brian Goorjian, who had guided the Hawks to back-to-back playoffs berths.
Tatum was assistant coach at the time of Jackomas’ departure, taking over the struggling club with little external expectation it seemed of achieving much this season.
But sometimes a fresh voice and approach is all that is needed and fast-forward to Wednesday night and the Hawks play the JackJumpers after securing an unlikely Play-In berth, having won 12 of their 19 games under Tatum.
BEFORE TATUM WAS HIRED
Record: 2-7
PPG: 84.4
Opp. PPG: 95.3
AFTER TATUM WAS HIRED
Record: 12-7
PPG: 94.1
Opp. PPG: 87.1
Justin Tatum helped the Hawks turn things around. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images
“When I took over and talked to the guys [I said] everybody starts with a clean sheet,” Tatum said at the NBL’s official finals launch press conference.
“Everything we’ve done the prior seven weeks we’ll just throw it out the window and let’s rewrite our own story.”
The Hawks have done just that, beating the second-placed Perth Wildcats three times this season while also overcoming a tough late stretch of games to punch their ticket.
“Unbelievable,” Tatum said of the way his team rallied to book a Play-In spot.
“We probably had the toughest stretch of teams to play to make it to the playoffs and we knew it was going to be a grind.
“It was a real testimony to the guys who stayed locked knowing what our focus was because we had to win so many games… we got tested towards the end which is going to help us for the run.”
It is why Tatum – and the Hawks as a whole – still don’t’ feel like they have quite got the respect they deserve, with the Illawarra head coach telling AAP this week they “still feel slighted”.
“But at the end of the day we’re OK with that because we have our self-respect,” he added.
He also has the admiration of superstar son Jayson, who was asked about his father’s success at the Hawks ahead of the recent NBA All-Star Game, revealing the pair had been talking earlier that day.
“Extremely happy for him. Happy for what he’s been able to do over there and kind of turn that organisation around,” Jayson said.
“He loves it. He loves it over there. He loves being in Australia. He says the games are extremely competitive. The atmosphere is crazy. Hopefully they can continue and go all the way. But it’s been great to see him turn that thing around and have a lot of success over there.”
Hawks cement NBL playoff spot | 01:14
BREAKERS – Will the mind games work for NBL underdogs?
Finn Delany had no problems calling it a “rivalry game” but Mody Maor doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere near that word, or any other one close by that matter.
Since last week’s official press conference ahead of the post-season, the New Zealand Breakers coach has played down talk that their Play-In game against the Kings brings added motivation.
Specifically, he was asked if it would help them banish any “demons” remaining from Game 5 in last year’s Championship Series, where the Kings went on a 14-0 run late to secure a comeback win.
“Demons kind of insinuates this is something terrible that happened to us and it’s not how I feel,” he said.
“This is part of our learning curve, this is part of our growth as a club, me as a coach, the players that where there. This is an experience we can draw upon conclusions we’ve made and put them into practice. But definitely not exorcising demons.”
Mody Maor carefully chose his words. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images
That kind of messaging was consistent from Maor this week too, telling media that it wouldn’t matter who was on the other side of the court — dressed in purple and gold or not.
“The reality is whoever we would face now I would want to beat the living you know what out of them,” he added.
“Does the fact that we lost Game 5 of the Finals over there give us extra motivation? No, it doesn’t, because we’re chasing something that is relevant only to this year.
“The only thing that is relevant to the past is the lessons learnt. As long as we learned the right things, and hopefully they come into play and help us in this one, it’s all that matters.”
Whether you believe him or not is one thing, but the mind games continued when the Breakers coach was asked about the underdog status his team carries into the game.
“They’re right,” he flatly said, adding the Kings are “definitely favourites” and that people are “right to write us off”, which will especially prove true if Will McDowell-White (shoulder) and Finn Delany (back) are ruled out.
It is all set up for an ambush but will the Kings take the bait?
KINGS – Are the defending champions feeling the pressure?
Well, they’re the defending back-to-back champions for a reason and so you’d expect an experienced group like this one isn’t going to get drawn into mind games too easily.
After all, the Kings have their own problems to worry about, namely the outside noise surrounding the organisation as it faces the prospect of premature elimination.
Sydney entered this season with much loftier goals, chasing a three-peat after becoming the first club to achieve the feat back in 2005.
It was always going to be challenging without coach Chase Buford and key duo Xavier Cooks, DJ Vasiljevic while the team’s new-look import trio was hardly a guarantee to hit the ground running right away.
Not checkmate yet – Kings still in fold | 01:10
But an inconsistent season has left the Kings in a perilous position and there is little room for error now, although the way Sydney finished the regular season has Mahmoud Abdelfattah confident, having cruised to a 122-67 win over South East Melbourne.
“The guys are aware of the situation but we finished the season off on the right foot,” he said.
Abdelfattah ran out a different starting line-up in that game to the one that played in Sydney’s 106-95 loss to Illawarra the game prior, with Alex Toohey, Jonah Bolden and Shaun Bruce all getting the start alongside Jaylen Adams and Denzel Valentine.
The Kings coach though told media last week that wasn’t necessarily a sign of things to come ahead of the do-or-die game against the Breakers, pointing out the fact he has experimented with the starting team quite regularly this season.
“We’ll see. I’ll talk with the coaching staff,” he said.
“I’ve changed the starting line-up five of the last six games. I’ll probably change the starting line-up again. I’m not worried about keeping the same starting line-up or mixing things up.
“Whatever I feel is going to work for the collective unit, I’ll do my best to do that.”
WHAT TIME ARE THE NBL PLAY-IN GAMES?
The JackJumpers host the Hawks at 5.30pm AEDT on Wednesday in the first Play-In game at MyState Bank Arena, with the Kings in action against the Breakers right after at 7.30pm at Qudos Bank Arena.
HOW CAN I WATCH THE GAMES?
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Matthew Dellavedova has been ruled out of the rest of Melbourne United’s clash with Brisbane Bullets at John Cain Arena due to concussion.
While United fans were thrilled with a 43-28 lead at half time, they had concerns for Australian legend Dellavedova, who was landed on heavily in the second period.
The tough-as-nails veteran bravely put his body on the line in hope of drawing a foul only for driving Bullet Sam McDaniel to land on him with a knee to the head.
It drew gasps from the crowd who watched replays of the incident and the 33 year old immediately went to the rooms for a head injury assessment.
Dellavedova’s career was under threat two years ago after multiple concussions in the NBA, so there was understandable concern from the club’s medical staff.
At half time, the club announced on social media that Dellavedova would take no further part in the game due to concussion.
PHOENIX RISE TO INCREDIBLE UPSET
A scintillating second half from point guard Gary Browne lifted an undermanned South East Melbourne Phoenix to a thrilling 86-85 upset win over top-of-the-ladder Tasmania JackJumpers at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.
Browne put the Phoenix ahead with 36.5 left on the clock before Mitch Creek slid in to foul JackJumpers centre Majok Deng with 3.4 left.
Deng was sent to the line for two shots, confidently draining his first before clipping the rim on his second and missing.
It was heartbreaking for Deng, but the Phoenix fans roared with delight as their two-game losing streak came to an end.
Playing without injured stars Alan Williams and Tyler Cook, the Phoenix came out of the blocks a little lethargic defensively but corrected their ways to restore parity by half-time.
A 10-0 run to start the second half, inspired by an energetic Browne, turned the momentum in favour of the Phoenix.
A scintilating second half from Gary Browne has guided the Phoenix to a one point upset over the JackJumpers. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
With MVP candidate Milton Doyle kept in check for most of the night by some focused Phoenix defence until he threatened with 14 points late, it was import guard Jordon Crawford who broke off the leash with 27 points, six assists and 5-9 from three-point range.
At times it looked like it was Crawford’s world and we were just living in it.
But it would be Browne who would fittingly put the exclamation point on the game with a team-high 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
It was all the JackJumpers in the first period.
Doyle was aggressive early with the first five points of the game.
Captain Clint Steindl came off the bench to drain his first two three-pointers and Crawford had the razzle dazzle as the visitors marched to a 23-18 lead at quarter time.
The Phoenix’s defensive effort was questioned early in the game but they ramped it up in the second.
MVP candidate Milton Doyle (right) was kept in check for most of the night. Picture: Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
With Will Cummings having better success on the penetration, Craig Moller logging valuable minutes in the paint and Mitch Creek finding his range, the Phoenix went on a 10-4 run to take the lead for the first time approaching midway through the second.
Crawford led all scorers with 17 at the half, while Creek had 11, as the sides went into the long break level on 43-apiece.
Browne was hellbent on giving the Phoenix the upper hand at the start of the third period, scoring the first field goal, causing a JackJumpers error and then hitting a baseline jumper as part of a 10-0 run that included a Moller three and three-point play from Creek.
The JackJumpers are proving hard to keep down this season and went on a run of their own with a Jack McVeigh counter punch.
McVeigh piled on nine points in the third, but the Phoenix held a slender 68-64 lead at three quarter time.
It was anyone’s ballgame entering the fourth, but the Phoenix had the steady hand late to improve to 2-3 on the season.
Bull ant
What an addition Crawford has been for the JackJumpers.
The bull-at-a-gate 33-year-old point guard brought the energy on both ends of the floor, breaking ankles with his zigging and zagging on offence and always willing on defence.
Standing at just 168cm, Crawford’s quick step back to open up space and land a three pointer makes him a hard cover because he just as easily burnt the Phoenix defenders on the drive.
He is fast becoming a must-watch player in the league.
Jordon Crawford (right) has been an incredible addiddtion to the JackJumpers. Picture: Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
Cheer leaders
Alan Williams (knee) and Tyler Cook (eye) are closing in on their returns from injury for the Phoenix.
The pair still made their presence felt on the Phoenix bench, calling out any decisions they felt didn’t go their team’s way and offering encouragement to teammates.
SCOREBOARD
South East Melbourne Phoenix 86 (Browne 20, Creek 16, Cummings 15)
The resurgent Adelaide 36ers broke through for their first win of the season on Saturday night after Trey Kell III and Trentyn Flowers starred in a thrilling nine-point victory over the Illawarra Hawks.
Staring down the barrel of an 0-5 start to the season, the Sixers trailed by six points heading into the last quarter, but Flowers lit up the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with 18 of his 23 points coming in the stunning finale.
With the Hawks (1-3), coming off a 30-point drubbing by the JackJumpers, and the last-placed Sixers the league’s only winless team after two rounds, Saturday’s clash was the definition of ‘must-win’ for both teams.
Adelaide hadn’t won a fourth quarter in its previous four losses, but Kell, with a game-high 25 points and nine rebounds, and Flowers were instrumental in the relieving win.
With the first win in the books, Adelaide now has the opportunity to stabilise its season with back-to-back home games up next, the 36ers hosting the Phoenix on Thursday night and the Wildcats on Saturday night.
Trentyn Flowers starred in the 36ers breakthrough win on Saturday night. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
SLICK VS SLOPPY
With so much on the line, the slick Hawks flew out of the blocks while Adelaide started poorly.
The visitors led 11-2 almost five minutes into the clash, with the home side managing just two free throws to Isaac Humphries, Bruton calling an early time-out to refocus his troops.
The switched-on Hawks looked dangerous on offence, with Daniel Grida providing an early highlight with a monster put-back dunk.
At one stage the sloppy Sixers had more turnovers than shots from the floor (7-5).
Adelaide desperately needed a spark and Kell provided it, the import firing up with 13 first-quarter points, including 3-from-3 from long range, as the home side slashed a 12-point deficit to just two at the first break.
WILEY STYLEY
Jacob Wiley was responsible for the biggest roar from the home fans in the first half.
In a pivotal moment, Tohi Smith-Milner was called for a foul after he inadvertently caught Justin Robinson with an elbow to the face, but Bruton challenged the call successfully.
The Sixers won the resulting jump ball and Jason Cadee floated an alley-oop pass in Wiley’s direction.
The energetic import gleefully accepted the invitation, slamming home a two-handed dunk then hanging off the rim as the fans went wild in appreciation.
The two points put the Sixers in front and signalled an improved all-round performance, although Kell was doing just fine, the import with a game-high 19 points.
It was a tough night for Robinson, who went 0-from-12 at one point and finished with three points on 1-from-14 shooting.
Mitch McCarron of the 36ers and Gary Clark of the Hawks. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
TRIPLE TALK
The Sixers entered the clash as the worst team in the league from long range, averaging 6.5 triples a game at 26 per cent.
After Kell’s hot start, Adelaide didn’t manage another triple until Flowers connected with just under three minutes left in the third quarter.
The Sixers were 4-from-14 from outside the arc at the last break and trailed by six points after Lachie Olbrich and Todd Blanchfield drained late triples, the visitors 8-from-24 going into the final term.
Adelaide finished with a season-high 9-from-20 from long range, Flowers leading the way with 5-from-6 shooting, with the Hawks 10-from-32.
PINK SLAM
The Entertainment Centre was a sea of pink on Friday night, with Adelaide’s players and fans turning out in support of the 36ers’ partnership with The Hospital Research Foundation Group to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.
– Brad Elborough
Melbourne United miserly start to the NBL season continued in Perth on Friday night.
They have solid claims for having the best defence in the competition at the early stages of the campaign after beating the Wildcats 88-81 in a thriller at RAC Stadium.
And that’s with Perth knocking down 29 points in the fourth term.
Perth averaged 94 points in their previous three games, even reaching 99 in a loss to South East Melbourne in round 2
With Melbourne’s tall timber Ariel Hukporti and Robert Loe fouling out late in the game, Keanu Pinder threatened to pinch the game for the home side.
But the cool heads of Ian Clark and Matt Dellavedova saw United home.
Perth had won eight of its previous nine home games before Friday night. But United now have a 8-2 record in Perth since the start of the 2019-20 season.
Melbourne United’s strong defence has continued, as they recorded their third win of the season against the Perth Wildcats. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Welcome home Luke
Former Perth Wildcat Luke Travers was put off by the fiery welcome he received from the Perth crowd that cheers him so loudly only one season earlier.
The United rising star quietened the Wildcats faithful with three big dunks in the opening half.
His athleticism was an issue for his old team.
He did earn a rising cheer midway through the second term when he left the court with a cut on his nose.
His three-pointer in the third term kept Perth at bay after the home side had reduced the margin to two points.
He finished with a handy 11 points and five rebounds.
Chris Goulding top scored with 18 points including four from long range. Clark also scored 18.
Former Wildcat Luke Travers (right) made his return to Perth to face his old team. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Early foul trouble
Before Friday, Perth had led at halftime in every other game this season.
But they had 35 points shooting at just 33.3 per cent in the first half against United.
Nothing worked for them on offence.
They trailed by 12 points after Goulding hit his 10th point for the half midway through the second quarter.
But a couple of offensive fouls to Loe and Hukporti within 20 seconds of one another, gave the home side a little bit of momentum.
Melbourne also got into foul trouble.
The Wildcats trailed by just four points at the main break thanks to two late three pointers from Alex Sarr and Jordan Usher.
The Wildcats scored 29 points in the final quarter but still came up short. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Come with me
Keanu Pinder single handedly kept Perth in a game for most of the night.
He top scored with 25 points and had seven rebounds in a powerful display. He looks close to being back to his best.
Bryce Cotton was kept to just 11 points and had only four points in more than three quarters.
Shane Ili has had some terrific game on the Wildcats star.
Cotton dropped first three pointer three minutes into the last term.
Jordan Usher also added 20 points.
Kristian doing little
Perth could be short a man for a few weeks, with starter Kristian Doolittle suffering a knee injury on Friday night.
The Wildcats import knocked his knee trying to jump over Melbourne’s Shane Ili less than two minutes into the game.
The game needed to be stopped so he could be helped from the court.
Doolittle was the last import added to the Cats roster, joining them in the week leading into their round 1 win against Tasmania.
He’s yet to hit his straps, with just 11 points and 10 rebounds in three games to open the season and he was kept scoreless against Adelaide in round 2.
He registered just one assist and one turnover on Friday night.
NBL Next Star rubs salt in Brisbane’s wounds
—Nick Tucker
Spearheaded by NBL Next Star Alex Toohey, the Sydney Kings rubbed salt into the gaping wound left by the five-match ban to Bullets star Aron Baynes with a comprehensive 113-102 victory over Brisbane at Nissan Arena on Friday.
Toohey, the first Australian player to commit to the Next Stars program since fellow NBA Global Academy alumni Josh Giddey, snuck in an efficient 18 points on 7/8 shooting, helping former league MVP Jaylen Adams (26 points) account for Brisbane.
Toohey came alive in the second half, giving the Kings’ social media team a vicious transition slam-dunk and block to choose from before finishing through contact in the final minute to put a Bullets come back to bed.
Despite strong performances from early MVP candidate Nathan Sobey (26 points), Chris Smith (21 points) and DJ Mitchell (16 points), the reigning champions surged home in a high-scoring affair where threes were flying left, right and centre.
Jaylin Galloway (16 points), Denzel Valentine (15 points), Jonah Bolden (12 points) and Kouat Noi (14 points) were strong contributors in Sydney’s 11-point-victory.
Alex Toohey scored 18 points in the win. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
TOOHEY TERROR
Nineteen-year-old NBL Next Star Alex Toohey walked the talk with an almost perfect showing at Nissan Arena, picking apart the Bullets with 18 points on 87% shooting.
One of Australia’s most promising prospects, 201cm Toohey, who decommitted from Gonzaga to become the league’s first Next Star, was efficient, didn’t shoot a shot that wasn’t there, and looked NBA ready.
Eligible for the 2024 draft, Toohey boosted his draft stocks with a rollicking steal to spin-move-slam late in the third quarter when he plucked the ball from the grasp of his opposition and went coast-to-coast before finishing with a one-hand-jam.
This came after a crisp mid-range jump shot and was followed by an and-one moments later.
DJ MITCHELL FINDS FORM
He was overshadowed by the brilliance of Sobey and Smith but for Brisbane fans, seeing DJ Mitchell nail two-from-three triples in the first half would’ve brought a smile to their faces.
Looking sharp in Black, Mitchell made his first start of the season and looked full of confidence when letting the three-ball fly.
A highlight of his came halfway through the third quarter where he splashed a pull-up three to address an 11-point-deficit.
He finished with 16 points.
Sharpshooter Smith wasn’t afraid to shoot either but this time, doing his best work inside the arc in the first half before coming alive from deep in the second half to finish with 21.
Brisbane’s 220cm giant gained more valuable playing experience in tonight’s loss, earning 13 minutes in the clash.
In the first quarter Zikarsky slammed home a tip-in, reeled in two rebounds and played excellent defence before a highlight-reel swat on Kouat Noi.
Baynes’ absence may well be a blessing in disguise with Zikarsky set to step up behind the shot-blocking Tyrell Harrison who performed well in the starting five.
JAYLEN ADAMS
You didn’t forget about him, did you?
The 2021/2022 NBL MVP was back to his brilliant best, an elite scorer who looked a class above.
The nifty point guard was his team’s leading scorer at the half with 14 on 6-10 shooting, was deadly from the mid-range and had a turn of pace paired with handles which kept the Bullets at bay.
He loved a swish and finished with 26.
KOUAT NOI A THREE POINT SNIPER
The 201cm forward was a laser from three-point-land, nailing three-from-five behind the arc in a strong first half showing.
By the main break, he had 11, but what stood out was his confidence letting a three-ball go.
It was as if once he got the ball, he had one mode and in the first half it worked wonders for the visitors.
Galloway and Toohey were also sinking treys at an efficient clip, making life hard for the Bullets.
The Kings’ three-point-magic did not stop at half time.
-Ryan Rosendale
The Tasmania JackJumpers have continued to stamp their credentials as a NBL24 championship contender with a commanding 30-point win over Illawarra at MyState Bank Arena on Thursday night.
Clinical from the outset, the JJs were never really challenged by the Hawks and finished 103-73 winners to successfully defend the island for a second straight game and extend their winning streak to three.
Imports Jordon Crawford (17 points and six assists) and Marcus Lee (10 points, eight rebounds and two assists) both put in their best performances to date as JackJumpers while superstar Milton Doyle (19 points, nine rebounds and five assists) continued his incredibly hot start to the season.
After getting in foul trouble against both the Kings and United, Lee was far more tactical in his defence early but still finished with the four personal fouls.
The Tasmania JackJumpers have made it three wins in a row, with a dominant performance over the Illawarra Hawks. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The Jackies got off to the perfect start, thanks to Lee at both ends of the floor, with Doyle’s first three of the night getting them out to an early 10-point advantage.
Another to Crawford down the stretch of the first extended that to 13 before he and Hawks pair Justin Robinson and Todd Blachfield collided in the final minutes of the first.
All three were fine with Crawford slotting two free throws to give the home side a five-point lead at the first break.
Tasmania continued to dominate in the second quarter, draining six threes to finish the term up by 26 points and looking as damaging as they have done in their three-year history on offence.
The Hawks had absolutely no answers with forward Sam Frowling appearing incredibly frustrated on a number of occasions.
Scott Roth celebrates after the JackJumpers have continued to stamp their credentials as a NBL24 championship contender. Picture: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The visitors outscored 31-10 for the quarter with just 29 points at the half and going 2-13 from the three point line.
Despite another three consecutive long range baskets to start the third from Tasmania, the Hawks put in a much improved effort, in the third, largely thanks to forward Gary Clark’s 10 points.
The result was beyond doubt heading into the last with the JackJumpers strong defence keeping the NBL’s highest average scoring team – 97 points – to just 73, the third-straight game an opponent was kept under 80 points.
The win saw the JackJumpers go 3-1 to start the season ahead of Saturday’s away game against South East Melbourne Phoenix while Illawarra now have a 1-2 record and will face Adelaide in Saturday’s early contest.
What an NBL23 season we‘ve just had. The finals are still to come over the next month but the regular season came down to the very last second to determine which six teams would take part in the post-season action.
Aron Baynes returning to basketball through the Brisbane Bullets and the Adelaide 36ers shocking the NBA‘s Phoenix Suns saw the NBL in the headlines before the season even started, and put those teams in the spotlight.
Watch every game live of the 2022/23 NBL Season on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Wildcats nick NBL finals spot late | 00:30
While their seasons never went to plan, the race for the top six positions proved fascinating with the Perth Wildcats needing to beat the Sydney Kings by 11 points in the last game of the regular season, and winning by 12 to finish sixth and knock out Melbourne United.
It was a fitting way to end an NBL season that delivered so much from the inaugural Christmas Day game, to record crowds around the country and outstanding play from everyone from Xavier Cooks to Mitch Creek to Bryce Cotton to Keanu Pinder to Milton Doyle to Antonius Cleveland and countless others.
Before the finals begin this Thursday night with play-in games featuring the Cairns Taipans at home to the Tasmania JackJumpers, and the South East Melbourne Phoenix hosting the Perth Wildcats, let‘s look at how each team performed in NBL23.
SYDNEY KINGS (19-9, First)
The defending champions had to replace all three imports for their title defence, but they‘ve done a terrific job and have been the standout team all season to claim the regular season championship and now are sitting back to find out their semi-final opponents.
What worked: Replacing championship winning import trio Jarrell Martin, Ian Clark and Jaylen Adams wasn‘t an easy task, but they did it well. Tim Soares has proven a more than handy centre, Justin Simon has been tremendous in that three spot at both ends and then Derrick Walton Jr has been more than adequate as point guard replacing MVP Adams. Xavier Cooks has gone to another level to be a strong chance to be league MVP but more than anything it’s how deep the Kings go. Jaylin Galloway, Shaun Bruce, Angus Glover, Jordan Hunter and Kouat Noi come off the bench and they lose nothing. They play at the fast pace in the league, the second best offensive rating, third best defensive rating and rightfully are the regular season champions and title favourites.
What didn‘t: Their free-throw percentage of 72 per cent is only third worst in the league, but it remains the potential to be their undoing in clutch moments when they get their second most times out of any team. If that’s your biggest concern, though, you are in pretty good shape. There has been patches of the season where turnovers have been an issue and so have fourth quarters, but at 19-9, that’s nit-picking.
Xavier Cooks of the Kings shoots a free throw during the round 18 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings at RAC Arena.Source: Getty Images
The outlook: The immediate focus is freshening up and getting ready to host Game 1 of the semi finals on Wednesday February 15, and to make a run at back-to-back championships. They should be at full health too with Xavier Cooks and Derrick Walton Jr having plenty of time before that first semi-final game. They are going to be mighty tough to stop and it might only be themselves that can be their undoing if their free-throw and turnover woes rear their heads when it matters most. But if they play anywhere near their best, they are clearly the best team in the competition.
Potential award winners: Xavier Cooks is the favourite to win the MVP award while Chase Buford is right in the hunt for Coach of the Year. It was a shock to many that Justin Simon wasn’t nominated to be Best Defensive Player while point guard Derrick Walton Jr should be named in one of the All-NBL teams.
Final Grade: A. Whether it‘s an A+ or not will be determined over the next month and if they win the championship or not, because that’s the bar this team has set. But they haven’t put a foot wrong to claim top spot as defending champs despite swapping over three imports.
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS (18-10, Second)
After a horror two years thanks to COVID, the New Zealand Breakers didn’t have it easy again this season but what they have done is come together as a cohesive unit, built everything on defence and developed a tremendous spirit and culture, and now have earned an automatic semi-final berth.
What worked: Building back the chemistry and culture that was such a key part to the Breakers winning four NBL championships in five years between 2011-15. Coach Mody Maor deserves enormous credit in achieving that and by bringing in players that fit the character and mindset he wanted to be team first, defensively oriented players. They have had plenty thrown at them, but with the leadership of their coach and the players fully buying in, they‘ve overcome it all. They got the imports right to start with. Dererk Pardon is the ideal modern day big, Jarrell Brantley is a brilliant all-round four man and then Barry Brown Jr gives that potent scoring punch. Add in Will McDowell-White and Izayah Le’afa to the backcourt, the youth of Rayan Rupert and experience of Tom Abercrombie, and then strong roles played by Rob Loe, Cam Gliddon and Tom Vodanovich, and everyone’s played their role to a tee. They are the best defensively rated team in the league and that’s what they’ve based everything on, being physical and intense defensively, and then efficient offensively.
NZ Breakers lock in second spot in NBL | 00:57
What didn’t: Being healthy. It took until their 19th game of the season to have a full roster available. Tom Abercrombie suffered a freak eye injury in pre-season and from there, Barry Brown Jr, Will McDowell-White, Rayan Rupert and Rob Loe have all been sidelined for multiple games. They also had to deal with some horror travel schedule, a three-week COVID enforced break and even the recent Auckland floods, but nothing has denied them because of the spirit and culture in the group they’ve built.
The outlook: Finishing second was every bit as important in terms of what an achievement it was for where they‘ve come from, but also because it gave them almost two weeks to freshen up and get healthy for their semi-final series against either the Cairns Taipans or Tasmania JackJumpers. They will know who they play after Thursday night’s game in Cairns and then can get ready for that Game 1 on Sunday February 12 at Spark Arena. Barry Brown Jr will have time to get over his hand injury and they should be at full strength for just the seventh game all season long.
Potential award winners: Barry Brown Jr appears just about a lock to be named Best Sixth Man by putting up 19.5 points a game. Dererk Pardon is a good chance to take out the Damian Martin Trophy as Best Defensive Player while Mody Maor is a shot at Coach of the Year. Point guard Will McDowell-White is in the mix for Most Improved Player and Brown, Pardon and forward Jarrell Brantley are all good chances to find places in the All-NBL teams.
Final Grade: A+. Coming off two years of hell, nothing has come easy for them this season either. They‘ve had some horror travel schedules, rarely been at full strength, dealt with a three-week COVID break and still have finished second to be straight into the semi finals.
CAIRNS TAIPANS (18-10, Third)
Coach Adam Forde wanted to put his stamp on the group in his second season in charge and get a team to suit the style he wanted to play. He did that and got full buy in from the group, and the end result is they finished third, only narrowly missed second and will be giving this championship a real shake.
What worked: Dealing with adversity. Tahjere McCall missed five games early in the season. Keanu Pinder missed nine of the last 11 games and Sam Waardenburg missed three games too but even without key players they played tremendously with others stepping up. That‘s especially been the case without Pinder where they’ve won eight of nine games without him. What has worked started in the off-season. Coach Adam Forde knew how he wanted to play but needed to recruit players to suit that style. The Taipans backed him in to do that and he’s found the perfect pieces. DJ Hogg and Shannon Scott have been the cool and composed imports who deliver no matter the situation while Pinder’s gone to another and formed a potent front court with Waardenburg. Bul Kuol has had a terrific second season at both ends, McCall has been a tremendous leader with the energy and hustle he brings, and then Ben Ayre and Majok Deng have played key roles. As a result, they play at the second highest pace, shoot the most three-pointers and do it at 32.5 per cent and have the second best defensive rating.
Melbourne lose out in epic final NBL day | 03:09
What didn‘t: Surprisingly playing at full strength didn’t work too well for them. They found their groove early in the season and then blending Tahjere McCall back in didn’t immediately click. And then after winning six straight without Keanu Pinder, they lost both games with him before he got hurt again. That’s more than likely just a curiosity though rather than an issue. In the end, losing three of four games before Friday night’s breakthrough win in Perth is what cost them second spot and an automatic place in the semi finals.
The outlook: They gave themselves a chance to finish second with a stirring win on Friday night in Perth despite the absence of Keanu Pinder and Tahjere McCall. They could have used the extra time and automatically qualifying for the semi finals, but it wasn’t to be. Now they have a short turnaround from playing in Perth on Friday, spending all Saturday travelling, having to go to the NBL awards in Melbourne on Tuesday, coming home to practice on Wednesday and then hosting the Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday night. Winning that will see them straight into the semi finals or else they have to back up to play either South East Melbourne or Perth on Sunday. Pinder won‘t be back unless they reach the Grand Final but McCall should be right to play Tasmania this Thursday.
Potential award winners: Keanu Pinder slipped from MVP contention with his two late season injuries but he remains the raging favourite to go back-to-back in the Most Improved Player award. Sam Waardenburg was also locked in as Rookie of the Year before that was scrapped in favour of the Next Generation Award, which he is a chance to win. Both DJ Hogg and Bul Kuol had cases for Best Defensive Player nominations while Adam Forde would be a more than deserving Coach of the Year winner. Hogg and Pinder should find spots on All-NBL teams.
Final Grade: A+. What a performance it‘s been to go from second last to third and to have done it by putting together a playing group perfectly suited to how coach Adam Forde wanted to play.
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS (16-12, Fourth)
Nobody gave them a chance in their inaugural season and they shocked everyone by reaching the Grand Final. Even fewer people gave them a chance of backing it up in NBL23, but they have again finished fourth and played with tremendous heart and spirit, are coached outstandingly by Scott Roth and you wouldn’t write them off from going all the way over the next month.
What worked: It surprised many when the JackJumpers didn’t bring back Josh Adams after his playoff heroics last season, but his replacement Milton Doyle has been nothing short of brilliant. Then there‘s the continued growth of Jack McVeigh who has become an inspirational presence. Will Magnay had a rough first season and-a-half with the JackJumpers, but his back end of this season has been encouraging too and the growth of Sean Macdonald has seen him emerge has one of the more effective Australian guards in the league even though he’ll still be a development player in NBL24. More than anything it’s the spirit they have once again played with and heart they’ve shown. Not everything’s gone to plan this season, but they have bounced back strongly on each occasion. Their defensive rating is just fourth best in the league but they conceded the second least points a game at 81.7 and their offence has more potency.
Jackjumpers thrash Hawks in Wollongong | 01:12
What didn‘t: Captain Clint Steindl’s season has never quite got going after he missed the first 10 games while injury has also limited the impact of fellow key players Matt Kenyon and Sam McDaniel. Consistency has also been a bit of a problem with the JackJumpers never winning more than three games straight or losing more than the three in-a-row they started with, but they did close out winning eight of the last 12 to finish fourth. They also struggled more at home than you would expect given the incredible atmosphere they play in front of, going 7-7 between Hobart and Launceston. They are another team who only played six games all season with a full squad available and they will be missing Josh Magette likely for the entire finals series.
The outlook: The JackJumpers locked away fourth spot in Wollongong on Saturday, but it came at a cost. It looks unlikely now that point guard Josh Magette will play again this season with a facial injury while there‘s an injury cloud over captain Clint Steindl ahead of Thursday’s play-in match up with the Cairns Taipans. Rashard Kelly will return and both teams will have their injury woes and a win in that game to go straight into the semi finals and avoid a cut-throat match up on Sunday with either the Phoenix or Wildcats will be crucial.
Potential award winners: Scott Roth can consider himself unlucky to not be nominated to go back-to-back in Coach of the Year awards. Development player Sean Macdonald has been nominated for the Most Improved Player award and Rashard Kelly is in the running for Best Sixth Man. Milton Doyle wouldn’t have been far off an MVP nomination and will be in one of the All-NBL teams.
Final Grade: A. They might not have the same defensive grunt as they did last year, but they are a bit more offensively dangerous and in many ways this has been a better achievement this season to be fourth than it was last year.
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (15-13, Fifth)
At full strength, this South East Melbourne Phoenix team has looked a championship calibre unit. The problem is, they have rarely had everyone available and time will tell if that happens in the finals, but they‘ve at least made it and that’s the first box ticked for this team that is not short on talent.
What worked: Mitch Creek and Alan Williams up front proved to be quite the impressive one-two punch for the Phoenix. Creek had the best and most consistent season of his 316-game career to be in the MVP hunt while Williams became a powerful presence once he figured things out, averaging 16.6 points and 9.6 rebounds. Gary Browne when healthy became the ideal point guard for this team too and had the team running smoothly when at his best. They made it a focus to be an inside focused team and that helped them be terrific rebounding the basketball, being the strongest rebounding team in the league with 38.6 boards a game and 12.3 at the offensive end. Combined with the third fewest turnovers in the league and that helped them win the possession battle most nights, and give themselves a chance. They showed good heart throughout the season too. They had personnel issues the whole way, but rebounded from an early three-game losing run and late five-game losing streak to go on winning runs on both occasion to end up deservedly in the finals.
What didn‘t: Being at full strength has been their biggest problem. They started the season missing imports Gary Browne and Trey Kell III along with Ryan Broekhoff. Then the signing of Zhou Qi never paid off, he only ended up playing nine games and never returned after heading back to China for family reasons. He had the potential to be a real difference maker with his size and like to offset the powerful presence Alan Williams provided. They did struggle shooting from the outside going at just 32.3 per cent from three to be only ahead of the Illawarra Hawks while they did struggle at times to contain their opponents, giving up 89.7 points a game and having the fourth worst defensive rating.
Watch every game live of the 2022/23 NBL Season on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The outlook: They had a horribly nervous wait over the past week to find out if they would reach the finals or not, but things worked out as well as could have been expected by ending up in fifth spot to get to host the Perth Wildcats this Thursday night. They will be fresh having had the week off so whether or not they come off well after a break or not will remain to be seen, but their bodies should be healthier at least. Ryan Broekhoff is an outside chance to return to face the Wildcats while they‘ll be at full strength aside from that if you don’t factor in the continued absence of Zhou Qi. Their outlook is good because of how well they match up with Perth. They have a significant advantage on the Wildcats up front and should they win on Thursday, they’ll like their chances against the loser of the Taipans-JackJumpers match up with both those teams battling physically right now.
Potential award winners: Mitch Creek is one of three nominees in the MVP award and he would be a deserving winner after the best and most consistent season of his career. He should be named to the All-First NBL Team too but it might be slim pickings for the Phoenix at the awards night outside of that. Alan Williams deserves consideration in an All-NBL Team though.
Final Grade: B. They had to deal with plenty throughout the season and to steady the ship late to win three of their last four games before the nervous wait and now earn a home final is a good effort.
PERTH WILDCATS (15-13, Sixth)
What a ride it was for John Rillie in his first season as a coach in the NBL. The pressure was on for the Perth Wildcats to return to the finals after the streak ended last year, and they‘ve ended up doing that albeit only secured on the very last second of the regular season. However, now that they are there they have enough firepower to do some damage.
What worked: It might not have been John Rillie‘s plan when he took over, but this Wildcats team became quite the offensive threat. They averaged 92.1 points a season to be ranked second with the highest offensive rating across the league. They shot the fourth most three-pointers a game and did it well with a second best percentage of 36.6 as a team. You can’t ignore the brilliance of Bryce Cotton this season, leading the league in minutes played and points scored. He didn’t always get enough help, but Brady Manek continued to grow as a scoring threat as the season went on and Corey Webster proved his ideal sidekick once put in the starting group. Luke Travers also showed terrific three-point shooting improvement the longer the season went.
What didn‘t: Rebounding and defence proved their two glaring weaknesses as the season went on. They finished with the least number of rebounds of any team across the league with just 33.5 per game with the worst defensive rebounding rating, and second worst at the offensive end. Then there’s the defence, they just couldn’t stop teams scoring and at times looked decidedly disinterested at the defensive end. They conceded 91.7 points a game while having the worst defensive rating across the league. The longer the season went, the shorter coach John Rillie’s rotation became and that became horrible news for veterans Mitch Norton, Todd Blanchfield and Majok Majok who all saw their playing time almost shrink to zero with the trio all having the least productive and fewest minutes on court in their NBL careers (aside from Majok’s lone season in New Zealand).
Wildcats nick NBL finals spot late | 00:30
The outlook: Returning to the finals was the first goal of this season after the playoff streak ended a year ago and they‘ve done that – albeit just. Now that they’ve made it, they will like their chances of making the most of it considering they have the best player in the competition with Bryce Cotton, and the offensive weapons of Brady Manek, Corey Webster, Tai Webster, TaShawn Thomas and the emerging Luke Travers. The Phoenix loom as a horror match up for them because of how dominant they were inside against them last time, but if their front court can stand up, they are a chance to get through on Thursday and then throw everything at the JackJumpers or Taipans to earn a crack at the Sydney Kings in the semi finals.
Potential award winners: Bryce Cotton is every chance to win a fourth MVP award after being the league‘s leading scorer with 23.5 points a game to go with 4.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. Luke Travers is in the running for the Next Generation Award too and Brady Manek can consider himself unlucky to not have been nominated for that. Cotton is just about a lock for the All-First NBL Team too but it might be a quiet awards night for the ’Cats outside of him.
Final Grade: C. They made finals so that‘s an improvement, but only by the slimmest possible margin. They never got going defensively or rebounding wise, but pure talent has got them into the top six.
MELBOURNE UNITED (15-13, Seventh)
What a rollercoaster ride this season was. At 5-10 they looked dead and buried, but they went 10-3 the rest of the way and it was one solitary basket that cost them a spot in the finals. They overcame plenty to become a standout team in the back end of the season so can take heart from that.
What worked: The way they finished the season deserves a lot of credit because at 5-10 things could have capitulated. However, coach Dean Vickerman released the shackles on the team from there and encouraged them to play at a faster pace with more offensive freedom. Finishing 10-3 over the last 13 games suggests they are just about the best team across the league across the second half of the season, but they left themselves too much to do. The backcourt combination to close the season of Chris Goulding, Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Rayjon Tucker was exciting and just about unstoppable when the shackles were taken off. Marcus Lee‘s inclusion proved tremendous as well even if he didn’t get a lot of time with Isaac Humphries to show what a centre combination they could be. David Okwera’s emergence shows what a bright future he has and what they did over the last 13 games will leave them frustrated they missed out on finals – by two measly points.
What didn‘t: Things began to go wrong in the off-season when they lost Matthew Dellavedova and Jack White unexpectedly to the NBA. Then on the eve of the season, Next Star Ariel Hukporti ruptured his achilles and couldn’t be replaced due to not taking up a roster spot, so they would have been three of their five starters. There was plenty of faith put into Shea Ili to be the point guard without Dellavedova but on-going concussion issues limited his impact and he only played 14 games while Dave Barlow also missed the last five games through concussion. Jordan Caroline didn’t work out early in the season particularly as someone to step up to replace Hukporti, but Marcus Lee proved ideal. Had they had their team together for the full season, they will be left wondering what could have been had they managed to sneak into the top six. Ultimately blowing that eight-point lead with 45 seconds to go in Perth is what cost them above everything else.
Melbourne United star Chris Goulding.Source: Getty Images
The outlook: There will be a lot of dissection over what went wrong this season because Melbourne just isn‘t used to missing out on taking part in finals, but a lot of this can be put down to bad luck. Moving forward, they could do worse than bringing back the import trio of Rayjon Tucker, Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Marcus Lee. They showed great heart and chemistry in the run home. Lee and Isaac Humphries up front for a whole season would be dominant, and another season of Tucker, Rathan-Mayes and Chris Goulding in the back court will be tough. The health of Shea Ili will be a big factor. If he looks able to play a full season, he can be locked in as the starting point guard. Otherwise they’ll need to go hunt a new playmaker. They’ll also need to find some added help up front and to bring in a strong power forward either as a marquee local or an import. Basically their two needs are in what they lost – Jack White and Matthew Dellavedova. They should feel good about hitting back strongly though.
Potential award winners: If Rayjon Tucker had started the season playing the way he finished, then he would be right in contention for both the MVP award and a spot on the All-First NBL team. If Xavier Rathan-Mayes had also played as well in the middle patches as he did at the start and finish, then ditto. If Shea Ili played more than 14 games, he would be a legitimate Best Defensive Player option too. Unfortunately for United, their season was basically split in two and as a result they might not be up on stage too often.
Final Grade: C. Their first half of the season was rough and being 5-10 left them in a hole they couldn‘t quite get out of. But going 10-3 the rest of the way is to be commended.
ADELAIDE 36ERS (13-15, Eighth)
The great disappointments of NBL23. They put together an exciting roster, shocked the world by beating the Phoenix Suns and then in the NBL season proper, just never clicked, never got going and the result is a fifth consecutive season out of the finals.
What worked: For everything this team promised when they beat the Phoenix Suns in the pre-season and with the roster put together, it‘s really hard to say too much at all worked given a team with such aspirations finished at 13-15. Perhaps the greatest positive was the remarkable home support they received, continually setting new records at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Antonius Cleveland lived up to his billing too, improving on what he did last season at the Illawarra Hawks. He played with great heart and defensive intensity, and his offensive game rose so he can hold his head high. Another positive was Anthony Drmic. In his second stint at the Sixers, he could very well have had the best season of his 199-game NBL career. But really, it’s not a season where they will feel much worked or went to plan at all.
What didn‘t: Bringing together so many potential stars always has the issue of developing the right chemistry, and figuring out how to play as a cohesive unit. Let’s be honest, that never happened with this Adelaide team. A lot of that early was blamed on Craig Randall but it never really improved after he left. While winning against the Phoenix Suns was a historic event, having to miss the first two weeks of the season as a result and the sideshow that created might have also done more harm than good. More than anything, though, what hurt them was an apparent lack of interest and effort defensively. With Mitch McCarron, Sunday Dech and Antonius Cleveland, this should have been a good defensive team. They finished as the third worst defensive team in the league. Coach CJ Bruton also wasn’t fully able to put his imprint on having a team play to his identity.
Adelaide 36ers keep finals hopes alive | 00:59
The outlook: Five straight years out of the playoffs and patience is wearing thin in Adelaide. The city couldn’t be more behind the team breaking attendance records game after game, but they deserve a winning team now. Robert Franks and Antonius Cleveland are locked in to return and so are Sunday Dech, Mitch McCarron, Kyrin Galloway and Nick Marshall. The writing is on the wall that Daniel Johnson‘s time in Adelaide is up and it would be unlikely for Kai Sotto and probably Ian Clark to return. Anthony Drmic was terrific and should be welcomed back. CJ Bruton has talked about wanting his team to more play to the identity of their coach next season so he’ll be recruiting to fit what he wants, but ideally a strong and powerful big man presence and then a quality point guard would be high on the agenda because they are well covered in the two, three and four spots. Without doubt it’s a make a break season in NBL24 not only for Bruton as coach, but the whole organisation.
Potential award winners: Antonius Cleveland holds the best hopes of anyone from Adelaide to grab the limelight on Tuesday night. He is nominated for the Best Defensive Player and is every chance to make it consecutive Damian Martin Trophy wins. He should also find a place in an All-NBL Team. Kai Sotto would have to be the runaway favourite to win the Fans MVP too on the back of having all of the Philippines voting for him again.
Final Grade: D. So much was expected of them but at no point did they come together as a cohesive team. They showed flashes, but equal flashes of disunity. Make or break time now in NBL24.
BRISBANE BULLETS (8-20, Ninth)
There was such excitement around them coming into NBL23. Many had them as championship fancies, but the season never got off the ground. They had three coaches in three weeks, import changes and for a while lacked competitiveness, but they at least finished off on a more positive note.
What worked: It‘s hard to say too much worked well but things really threatened to spiral out of hand with a record 49-point loss to Sydney, but they at least played with some pride and heart the rest of the season. They won three of four games directly out of that game to their credit. Bringing in Tyler Johnson proved to work well once he figured out the league and DJ Mitchell’s emergence was a definite highlight. Greg Vanderjagt’s performance as coach is something that must be commended too and he showed that he has a future as a head coach in the league either remaining with the Bullets or elsewhere. The home crowd support was also tremendous from the Brisbane locals despite the struggles of the team topped off by a sold out 5253 in their final game on Saturday against the New Zealand Breakers.
What didn‘t: The off-court turmoil in the first half of the season just got out of hand. James Duncan was unceremoniously dumped as coach just hours before the team flew out to New Zealand, with him replaced by GM Sam Mackinnon rather than one of the assistants. Then just as the team was flying to Cairns, Mackinnon was replaced by Greg Vanderjagt, it’s just unfathomable how it was all handled. Releasing Devondrick Walker was also baffling when it took them so long to bring in Andrew White III meaning they played eight games with Tyler Johnson their lone import. And as good as it was to see Aron Baynes back playing basketball, at no point did they ever fully get the most out of what he could have provided both through him not getting enough touches in the right spots and his frustrations with the officiating.
Aron Baynes.Source: Getty Images
The outlook: This is the biggest unknown out of every team. Firstly they need to decide on their coach. Do they back in Greg Vanderjagt to continue in the role after the players appeared to respond to him, do they appoint a quality local like Pero Cameron or Anthony Petrie, or look completely out of the box. That is going to be the biggest question and will determine where they go with their player personnel. Nathan Sobey and Aron Baynes are locked in contractually, but there‘s a lot to go under the bridge before Baynes is guaranteed back. That leaves them with three import spots to fill and they need to find a genuine point guard but the other two spots largely depend on Baynes. Should he not return, they’d need an import centre but if not, they could go for a three/four man as import and potentially try to lure Tyler Johnson back. They have great potential with DJ Mitchell, Tyrell Harrison, Tanner Krebs, Gorjok Gak and Kody Stattman as the core of locals to build around while it’ll largely be up to Jason Cadee if he wants to remain at the Bullets or not.
Potential award winners: It will be a quiet night for the Bullets at the Gazey‘s. Tyler Johnson has been nominated as Best Sixth Man and he deserves serious consideration for that award, but that might be about it in terms of anyone from Brisbane being recognised. DJ Mitchell made his point on Saturday night that he deserved a look in for the Next Generation Award too after putting up 9.6 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting tremendously in his first NBL season, but he wasn’t nominated.
Final Grade: D. This threatened to get out of hand with that record loss to Sydney on the back of the three head coaches in a matter of weeks and import changes. They finished the season better, though, to give some positivity.
ILLAWARRA HAWKS (3-25, 10th)
They might have finished with the worst record in franchise history, but that should be put in perspective of the fact they had a rookie coach, lost four imports to season-ending injuries and did a lot of good in the second half of the season building for the future.
What worked: They had every excuse in the world to think it was all too much for them, but the great positive is how hard they fought especially through the second half of the season. Sure, the wins didn’t come, but they gave themselves countless chances and made themselves hard to beat and provided hope for the future with that competitive spirit, and blooding fresh talent. Tyler Harvey was the almost complete defensive focus of opposition teams but he still put up 18.9 points a game including 10 straight late 20-point performances while Sam Froling had to do a lot of the heavy lifting, and strong so they provided impressive leadership as co-captains. Emerging guards Lachie Dent and Davo Hickey showed good signs while the return of Dan Grida from a horror injury run was encouraging and Deng Deng had his best career season with increased opportunities up front.
What didn‘t: The tone was set in the very first game of the season when Justin Robinson went down with a season-ending knee injury. He was ultimately replaced by Peyton Siva who only played 11 games before his own shoulder injury. George King didn’t pan out and left injured after nine games too and Michael Frazier II proved a tremendous replacement, but he broke his arm after playing eight matches. Losing four imports in one season to long-term injuries is unheard of. While they were competitive for the most part, they did struggle to close out games and execute late which is why they lost 14 games by 10 points or fewer. Ultimately they just didn’t have enough help for Tyler Harvey in the backcourt or Sam Froling up front with too much left to rest on their shoulders.
The outlook: It might seem strange to say after a team just went 3-25, but the outlook looks relatively bright. Tyler Harvey and Justin Robinson are locked in to be the import back court they were hoping to have this season before Robinson got hurt in the very first game. Having another quality playmaker alongside Harvey will only make him more dangerous. Sam Froling will only be better after the role he was put in this season and the minutes put into Lachie Dent and Davo Hickey should pay off. Michael Frazier II deserves the chance to come back but that likely depends on if they can find a quality local big man to be their marquee. If not that role would need to be filled by an import because Froling and Deng Deng need more help up front. Having Harvey, Robinson and Froling as the centre pieces, the potential of Frazier, a marquee big and then solid role players like Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Deng, Dent, Hickey and Alex Mudronja should ensure their competitiveness provided they get a better run with luck.
Potential award winners: It wouldn’t shock to see Tyler Harvey sneak in for a spot on the All-Second NBL Team after the way he battled through the season and averaged 18.9 points including 10 straight 20-plus point games. Sam Froling has to be favourite for the Next Generation Award having put up 14.0 points and 8.0 rebounds so the co-captains could be recognised on Tuesday night in Melbourne.
Final Grade:C-. Sure, 3-25 looks horrible. But deeper investigation and losing four imports along the way, blooding plenty of young talent and the way they battled in the second half of the season deserves to be acknowledged.
