The Tasmania JackJumpers have given their fans a late christmas present, ending their 4 game losing streak to beat the New Zealand Breakers 84-75 in Hobart.
Their offence, which has improved significantly in recent games once again was key to the win. The JackJumpers were led by Josh Adams with 21 points, and had contributions across the floor with Steindl (14 points) Sam McDaniel (11 points) and Fabian Krislovic (11 points).
In the first half the JackJumpers were looking for different ways to score. Magnay, Adams and Magette were all heavily guarded by the Breakers as they looked to attack the rim. Rather than forcing offence they found scoring opportunities for McDaniel, Krislovic and Weeks, who usually are there for their defensive work.
Magette 🤜🤛McDaniel
— Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜 (@JackJumpers) December 26, 2021
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This led to opportunities from outside, as they connected with 5/9 three point attempts opening a 25-14 quarter time lead.
They continued to manufacture points throughout the half and ended up hitting 50 points by half time and extending the lead to 11. The scoring came about from JackJumpers aggression toward attack the ring. Josh Adams in particular was constantly threatening the paint and getting himself to the foul line, where he was 10/11. Adams and his teams aggression was highlight by Scott Roth:
“I think for the most part just in general for all of us we’ve been trying to be aggressive towards the basket and not settle for early shots unless their in rhythm. And I think Josh has you know bought into the fact he can be very dynamic in getting to the basket and creating problems there”.
Scott Roth
The second half was more of a grind for both teams. The Breakers had been struggling with their outside shooting and like Tasmania, started getting the ball inside. Yannick Wetzell in particular was becoming a problem at both ends for the Jack Jumpers. He finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds, and continued his great season for the reakers. Tasmania only had 5 points on the opening 5 minutes of the 3rd, and the Breakers had closed the gap to 54 points. This caused Scott Roth to call timeout to talk it over with his team, as there were signs of the fade out he’s seen in their last game against the kings. Tasmania came out of the huddle focused and ended up outscoring the Breakers 14-5 to end the quarter.
Clint with a big 3 late in the Shot clock
— Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜 (@JackJumpers) December 26, 2021
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The final quarter tested the JackJumpers ability to close out the game. They had opened up a game high 19 point lead with 8 minutes to play and appeared to be coasting. The cheers from the home crowd were silenced through 9-1 run by the Breakers as Tasmania needed fi find a way to hang on. They stepped it up on the defensive end, forcing the Breakers into though shots and not allowing anything easy. Despite the late scare the jackJumers returned to the winners list with a 9 point victory.
It was just a good team effort across the board and im happy these guys kept their composure. You know its not easy coming back 1 of 4 when you think maybe you could have a different record and coming off the game we had in Sydney but these guys really bounced back, they showed a lot of grit.
Scott Roth
I think we put together a more complete game today and were able to run it out of our defense and convert it more out of offence.
Jarred Weeks
Key Takeaways from the game
Improved shooting
The JackJumpers shot 48% from the filed including 46% from 3. However, they only took 20 three point attepts which would be one of their lowest for the season. Their offence has evolved significantly in the last few games, and no longer rely on the 3 to win game.
McDaniel brings his offensive game
Always delivering on the defensive end, Sam McDaniel showed tonight he also can get it done offensively. He had 10 points, including several key baskets throughout the game.
McIntosh impact off the bench
Although he didn’t bring big numbers to the stat sheet, MiKyle Mcintosh brought much needed energy off the bench. He provided big screens, a presence inside the paint and was a handful for the Breakers defenders inside the paint. His +/- of +13 was the second highest on the team.
Bench come up big
The bench was big tonight, scoring 40 of the tams 84 points. Steindl led the bench with 14 points, but Krislovic arguably had his best game for the season, as he backed up Magnay with big minutes. Fab ended with 11 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists including this pretty hook on the baseline:
Magette with the dime to Fab for 2
— Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜 (@JackJumpers) December 26, 2021
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Up next
A week break for the JackJumpers as they prepare to take on Melbourne United in a new years day clash in Hobart.
