NBL Week 9 news: Cairns upset Melbourne 115-103, Tasmania JackJumpers win 94-59 over Adelaide 36ers, South East Melbourne Phoenix beat New Zealand Breakers 90-79
A first half blitz from import guard Patrick Miller has led Cairns to an upset win against Melbourne United.
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A first half blitz from import guard Patrick Miller has led the Cairns Taipans to an upset 115 to 103 win against the ladder-leading Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.
The Taipans set the highest scoring first half of the season putting up 67 points at the main break with Miller scoring 21 points shooting 8 from 9 from the field in the first half on his way to 32 points and 10 assists for the game.
Cairns produced their highest score in 15 years and their incredible opening half was only one point shy of their highest ever scoring half as they shot the lights courtesy of operating at 73% in the first half and that figure finished at 62% for the match compared to 47% for United.
American Miller, who has played professionally in nine countries, was well-supported by fellow import guards Tahjere McCall (23 points and six assists) and Josh Roberts (22 points at 90% from the field).
Roberts registered only nine minutes in their loss to the Brisbane Bullets on Friday (his most of the season prior to facing United) but was elevated to the starting line up as coach Adam Forde successfully trialled a new formula.
The new-look Taipans came out of the blocks hungry while United were sluggish in their first game back from the FIBA break as they set the unwanted record for the most points ever conceded by a Dean Vickerman coached side in a half.
“We just came out with energy. We had a bad game last game. We’re in a bad little slump right now as a team and today we’re trying to change the narrative. We just went hard,” Miller told ESPN.
“The two top defensive teams. It’s been about defence and energy. Offence takes care of itself. We’ve been playing fast but it starts with defence. Our defence gets us going.”
Chris Goulding has suited up in the NBL on more occasions than the entire Taipans roster and he continued his fine form with 23 points including making five of eight attempts from three-point range.
Matthew Dellavedova returned from a calf complaint off the bench and he attempted to inspire a comeback with 21 points and nine assists including multiple lob passes to centre Ariel Hukporti that set up spectacular slams.
Miller got the better of their duel however as United struggled to keep up with the Taipans fast-paced play.
Cairns scored 15 more fast break points, 14 more points from turnovers and 12 more points in the paint.
The win was the Taipans’ fifth of the season and comes after they had lost five of their last six and seven of their last eight on the road.
United remain two wins clear of the Tasmania JackJumpers on top of the ladder but they have now dropped three games at home despite having a flawless away record.
JackJumpers make statement in historic 36ers domination
-Ryan Rosendale
The Tasmania JackJumpers made an almighty statement in their return from the FIBA break on Saturday night, putting together a huge 94-59 win over the Adelaide 36ers in front of a loud home crowd at MyState Bank Arena.
Playing their first game in Hobart since October 27, the home side was clinical from the outset with a 22-point halftime lead the catalyst for what ended as the biggest NBL win this season – a 35-point drubbing.
The resounding win bettered that of the JackJumpers 30-point win over Illawarra back in round 3, while it also now sits as the franchise’s biggest ever victory.
It was also Adelaide’s equal lowest score in club history in the 40 minute NBL era.
While much has been made of Melbourne United’s hot start to the season, the JackJumpers championship credentials have to be taken seriously following Saturday’s win.
Now laying claim to the two biggest wins of the season, and having defeated both United and the Sydney Kings in the opening nine rounds, the NBL’s newest franchise continues to defy the doubters.
Star import Milton Doyle was at his electric best with 20 points, five rebounds and six assists while Jack McVeigh joined in the fun with 14 points and six rebounds.
For the 36ers, it was Dejan Vasiljevic with 15 points while Jacob Wylie finished with 14.
It was always going to be a tough task for the now 4-9 Adelaide to leave Tasmania with a win, with the 36ers entering the clash just 48 hours after going down to New Zealand at Spark Arena.
While they clearly wouldn’t have used the tough schedule coming out of the FIBA break as an excuse for the loss, the fact that the JackJumpers went in fresh with a 14 day break clearly played a factor in the result.
It took the home side just 27 seconds to put away their first three of the night, starting what became a horror show for Adelaide coach CJ Burton.
Watching on as his side went 19/64 from the field and 2/11 from long range would have been one of his most difficult nights as coach.
Highlighted by a 20-8 second term, the home side dominated at either end of the floor with big man Will Magnay’s presence a clear factor in just his fourth game back from injury.
Rebounding at either end of the floor, the one-time New Orleans Pelicans player looks set to be a major factor in Tasmania’s run home.
It was much the same in the third-quarter, despite an improved showing on the offensive end from the visitors, with Tasmania dominating at either end of the floor.
The highlight: a huge Marcus Lee block on Trentyn Flowers that almost blew the roof off MyState Bank Arena.
A 28-20 quarter saw Tasmania take a 30-point lead into the final break which was extended to 35 on the final buzzer.
Both sides will now enjoy a seven-day break with Tasmania set to make the trip to Spark Arena to face New Zealand while the 36ers will return back to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to host Cairns.
INJURY BLOW SOURS WIN AS PHOENIX SNAP LOSING STREAK
—Lance Jenkinson
South East Melbourne Phoenix has snapped its two-game losing streak but it has come at a severe cost with veteran forward Craig Moller sustaining a potentially season-ending knee injury.
The Phoenix had to fight off stubborn resistance from the New Zealand Breakers to run out 90-79 winners at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.
Centre Alan Williams was the forefront for the Phoenix with 10 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists – just missing out on a rare triple double.
Phoenix captain Mitch Creek was superb with 26 points with seven rebounds
But the Moller injury soured the victory and both player and club will be sweating on scans and hoping for a miracle.
The Phoenix certainly enjoys a bit of home cooking, making it 16 wins from their past 19 home games, while they relish the chance to take on the Breakers, making it 10 wins from their past 12 meetings.
Both teams came out aggressive, but the defences were well on top.
The Phoenix were unsettled by the Moller injury and it was the Breakers who went to halftime with a 45-41 lead.
Anthony Lamb showed his NBA calibre offence with 10 first half points for the Breakers, while Izayah Le’afa was a spark plug off the bench with 12 at the half.
Lamb had to work through some ferocious Phoenix defence that felled him on two occasions.
Despite the Moller setback, the Phoenix were still well and truly in the game.
Williams’ impact was crucial.
Phoenix captain Mitch Creek started to get involved at both ends, while veteran guard Will Cummings led all scorers in the first half with 13.
The acquisition of Daniel Johnson, who arrived at the Phoenix as an injury replacement player for Gorjok Gak, seemed even shrewder when Moller went down and could signal at extension to the arrangement.
South East Melbourne's Craig Moller has been helped off the court and down the tunnel following an apparent knee injury. pic.twitter.com/rYRLqAqUwc
— NBL (@NBL) December 2, 2023
With the Phoenix closing in on their lead, Breakers Next Star Mantas Rubstavicious launched two of the silkiest three pointers you will ever see, extending the Breakers lead to five.
The Phoenix went on an 8-0 run to take a 66-65 lead at three quarter time.
The arm wrestle continued into the fourth, but spurred on by their home crowd, the Phoenix created separation on the scoreboard.
INJURY PAIN
Moller has endured his unfair share of bad luck with injury.
In the first quarter, Moller collapsed on a seemingly routine play, posting up Le’Afa and his pivot leg collapsed underneath him.
A hush came over the crowd because they know the 29-year-old had recently missed 18 months with a knee injury.
BEST BEHAVIOUR
Fiery Breakers coach Mody Maor had to be on his best behaviour after raising the eyebrows of Basketball Australia for comments following his ejection from Thursday night’s game against Adelaide 36ers.
The 38-year-old was often motioning with outstretched arms his displeasure at a call going against his team.
He would not be silenced either, having a little word in the ears of the officials, but avoided overstepping the line on this occasion.
NBL SCOREBOARD
South East Melbourne Phoenix 90 (Creek 26 Cummings 15 Browne 12) d New Zealand Breakers 79 (Le’afa 17 Jackson-Cartwright 14 Lamb 14)
At John Cain Arena, Melbourne
BULLETS’ BENCH SAVE THE DAY AFTER CAIRNS FINAL QUARTER COLLAPSE
—Gyan-Reece Rocha
Import Chris Smith inspired a bench barrage which lifted Brisbane Bullets to an important win over NBL rival Cairns Taipans.
The scoring machine was firing shots away from all angles, finishing with 17 points, shooting 6-11 from the field and 4-7 from three, the result finishing 79-84.
The American import originally from California, was recruited from the first division Japanese league after building a reputation as an offensive powerhouse.
The 193cm (6tft 4in) was unstoppable, starting on the bench, but packing a punch from the moment he stepped on the floor.
He combined with Isaac White (10 points and five rebounds), Aron Baynes, Shannon Scott plus the remaining substitutes for a total of 49 points from the bench unit.
It was a grind out contest at Cairns Convention Centre early, with Bullets leading by one point at the main break.
Both teams were fierce and physical, with Bullets in particular putting their midweek boxing sessions to use, bringing a sense of ferocity.
However, neither side struggled to get a rhythm, freedom of movement was limited and the tie was very stop-start.
At times it felt like a game of fouls, free-throws and more fouls with 46 fouls committed in total.
“We need to try and keep them off the free-throw line, I don’t know what the foul count was that quarter, but we fouled too much.” Nathan Sobey said at halftime.
But Bullets shot to a blowout bracket in the third quarter, breaking the deadlock in the third quarter and going 12-25 to lead 54-68 at the final break.
When the contest looked over, Bullets showed signs of nerves and made a number of shaky decisions that gave Taipans a chance to slither into the match.
Tahjere McCall had a never-say-die mindset, grinding 14 points in the fourth quarter alone, finishing the game with 29 points, 12-19 from the field and two steals.
Patrick Miller finished with 12 points, while Sam Waardenburg added another 11 points.
Cairns had won each of its last nine games against Brisbane heading into the match.
CAGE RATTLERS
Aron Baynes and Bul Kuol are ferocious competitors within the league. They don’t fear opponents and love stepping up to challenges opposition throw at them. More times than not it puts them in foul trouble, but the physical spirit they bring to the contest gauge our intrigue either way. Kuol, 26, drew two fouls in the first quarter, but his ability to get under the skin of opposition was also on show, drawing four fouls for Bullets in the first half alone. Baynes, 36, was repeatedly booed at the free-throw line by the orange army after controversy over the reverse fixture. But he didn’t miss a beat when it came to throwing his body around in the paint and backing down defenders in the perimeter. He was hit hard late in the fourth quarter by Josh Roberts and was forced to head down the tunnel. He finished with 8 points, 3 rebounds in 13 minutes.
DUNKS FOR DAYS
Bobbi Klintman is still evolving into the NBL, but his ability to dunk on the fast-break and in transition is something he’s already mastered. Standing at 6ft 10in, he makes a sledgehammer at the rim look incredibly easy. Although, his ability to stay focused on defence in Adam Forde’s complex and versatile defensive system can sometimes hand opposition easy baskets. It’s simple to see the reason NBA scouts are showing up to NBL games. Box office Bobbi.
NBL’S NEW ABUSE CRACKDOWN CLAIMS FIRST VICTIM IN MINUTES
—Michael Randall
In the same week NBL boss David Stevenson warned the league would take a “zero tolerance” approach to referee abuse, it took just half a game for the season’s first coach ejection.
New Zealand mentor Mody Maor was slapped with two technical fouls and tossed from Wolfbrook Arena after an animated discussion with referees. The Breakers led, at the time, 53-41, but were on the wrong end of the foul count 15-6, however they held on to win 96-83.
No coach had been ejected in any game during the first eight rounds of the season and Stephenson, on Sunday in an exclusive interview with Code Sports, insisted no edict had been issued for referees to crackdown.
But, in the first game after the FIBA break, Maor remonstrated with referee Chris Reid after the halftime buzzer and paid a heavy price, Breakers assistant Dan Sokolovski forced to take the reins after the break.
Stevenson, on the weekend, drew a line in the sand on the treatment of referees.
This is something I feel very strongly about and I want to be clear that I will have zero tolerance for abuse of referees, full stop,” Stevenson said.
“It’s an emotional game and we understand and we want to continue that emotion from everyone, but I’m not going to put up with abuse of referees.
“I’ve just started to see a little bit that I don’t feel comfortable with.”
NZ SURVIVE 36ER FIGHTBACK
Resurgent New Zealand overcame the halftime ejection of coach Mody Maor, early foul trouble and a late fightback by the Adelaide 36ers to score an impressive 13-point win in Christchurch on Thursday night.
The Sixers rallied to trail by seven points with just under four minutes remaining in the game after a Breakers’ opening blitz, but CJ Bruton’s men didn’t lead all night as they fell to a 4-8 record.
The Sixers regained star import Trey Kell III from a calf injury, but with eight points on his return he couldn’t fire up a sputtering offence that was led by DJ Vasiljevic with 14.
New Zealand was in ninth place on the ladder coming out of the FIBA international break, but improves to a 4-7 record with the result.
Anthony Lamb topscored with 24 points, while Izayah Le’afa (21 points) was deadly from three-point range with seven triples from 11 attempts.
The Sixers trailed by as much as 21 points in the first half to be behind at the main break for the 10th time this season.
Bruton’s charges found their groove early in the third quarter to slash the margin to seven points, but New Zealand’s superior three-point shooting restored a 17-point lead heading into the final term.
The Breakers shot 12-from-24 at 50 per cent from outside the arc through the first three quarters to Adelaide 2-from-17 at just 11 per cent.
The Sixers finished with just four triples at 16 per cent to New Zealand’s 15 at 46 per cent.
HOT ‘N COLD
As red-hot as New Zealand was to start the contest, the Sixers were stone cold.
The Breakers scored just 65 points in their last-start loss to Illawarra, but they dropped 37 on the visitors in a stunning first-quarter blitz.
New Zealand shot 14-from-18 from the floor, including 5-from-7 from three-point range, with Le’afa 3-from-3 from deep.
Bruton said during the week that he had been “harping on” his starting five to bring early energy to break an alarming trend of sluggish starts.
But the coach’s words fell on deaf ears, the 36ers conceding a 9-0 run to start the game with their first points from the floor coming nearly four minutes in.
“We can’t sugar coat it … we were terrible in the first quarter,” Vasiljevic told ESPN at halftime.
Vasiljevic was the spark as Adelaide flipped the script with a 24-16 second term, the star shooter with 13 points at the main break as his side slashed the margin to 12 points.
Originally published as NBL Week 9 news: Cairns upset Melbourne 115-103, Tasmania JackJumpers win 94-59 over Adelaide 36ers, South East Melbourne Phoenix beat New Zealand Breakers 90-79
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