The JackJumpers used a dominant final quarter to overcome the Sydney Kings 73-53 in the opening game of the NBL Blitz in Darwin.
After a scrappy and tight opening three quarters the JackJumpers locked down on defense to outscore Sydney 25-7 in the final quarter. They were led by Milton Doyle in the closing stages, he finished with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Embed from Getty ImagesFirst half
It was a rusty start for both teams with both sides struggling with their shooting from the floor. Tasmania had some solid ball movement, but was unable to capitalise on several open shots. They finished the first quarter 5/21 from the floor. Jarrad Weeks was a spar off the bench early in the 2nd quarter, knocking down 5 straight points to give the Tasmania the lead.
Similar to the JackJumpers the Kings also had trouble finishing around the rim. The defending champions brought in three new imports to the squad, and their offense was a little ragged. They often fell into isolation basketball which brought them plenty of points from Derrick Walton Jr, who looked best for the Kings on the night.
Despite giving up 12 turnovers, the JackJumpers were unable to make the most of the etra shots, trailing 35-34 at halftime
Embed from Getty Images2nd half
The game opened up in the third quarter for both sides the game sped up and the floor opened up. The JackJumpers shooting struggles were a thing of the past as they knocked down four 3 pointers. This included back to back threes from Jack McVeigh, who was playing his first game after a three month layoff with a shoulder injury. While Walton Jr was running a better kings offense, where he was always a threat with his shot, but was constantly finding his teammates for easy baskets.
Taking a one point lead into the final quarter the JackJumpers then took a stranglehold on the match as they went on a 16-1 run. This came on the back of strong team defense that forced the Kings into tough shots. Which turned into patient ball movement on the offensive end, led by new import Milton Doyle. Tasmania blowing out the defending champs by 20 points at the final buzzer.
Overall it was a solid performance by the JackJumpers. They had showed solid team defense all game long, but were unable to finish at the other end. They put it all together in the last quarter and looked really good. Its only early, but Milton Doyle tonight and in the 2nd game against the Phoenix, was a calm head late in the game and found great options. We will miss Josh Adams, but Doyle is fast looking like the guy who needs the ball in the final moments.
Key Stats
The JackJumpers had 38 points from the bench as Roth once against went deep into his bench. No players had over 23 minutes in a solid team performance. This included significant minutes to DP’s Sean Macdonald and Walter Brown.
During the week Scott Roth highlighted he wanted the team to tighten up their defense. They answered his call by forcing 21 turnovers for the night while committing 10 themselves.
Player focus
We are including two here, the backup point guards Week and MacDonald both played great off the bench. They brought great energy and combined for 15 points and playing a combined 27 minutes. Our point guards struggled at times last season, with Magette playing long minutes in games toward the end of the season. Its only one game, but the signs are looking good for guard depth this season.
Up next
The JackJumpers have a couple of days off before facing the Adelaide 36ers at 5.30pm Tuesday, 19 September as part of the NBL Blitz. Adelaide beat the South East Melbourne Phoenix 84-76 in their opening game
