Steelformers Taranaki Airs (4-3, 6th) v Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (5-3, 5th)
The Airs have found tremendous highs but also some concerning lows as they've dropped 2 of their last three and will be looking to put together a full 40 minute performance as they welcome the Tuatara, who are the leagues hottest team having taken 5 straight wins. Will the Aucklanders keep the streak going or will the Airs sweep the season series and leap into the top 4?
When: Monday 21st April, Rapid League 5:30pm, Sal's NBL 6:30pm
Where: TSB Stadium, New Plymouth
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 3 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Airs traveled to Palmerston North as they as they looked to avoid a sweep of their season series with the Jets and keep pace with the top half of the Final 6 and immediately pounced upon the home team right from the tip as a balanced offense took a 14 point lead at quarter time. Manawatū would battle back in the second quarter when an Eric Williams Jr dunk would cut the lead to 1 but Owen Foxwell (35pts, 5rbs, 9ast) and the Airs would rally to build a 17 point lead in the third as Harry Froling (18pts) and Armon Fletcher (17pts) got involved. But the Jets would rally behind Kenny Goins (19pts, 9rbs, 8ast) down the stretch as they powered home with a 39 point 4th quarter to take a 111-106 win where Miles Gibson (31pts, 9rbs) led all scorers.
The Tuatara welcomed the Hawks as they swooped into the Sanctuary flying to a 9 point lead as Dan Grida (33pts, 7rbs) energised the Hawke's Bay offense. But Auckland would respond with a lift in defense as Davo Hickey (31pts, 11rbs, 10ast) exploded to the rim in transitions opportunities off forced turnovers to build a 4 point halftime lead. Buay Tuach (23pts) would help extend the lead to 19 in the 2nd half and despite a late Jackson Ball (16pts) flurry the Hawks would go down 106-97 as the Tuatara won their 5th game on the trot to burst into the top six.
What to Look For:
The Airs are the most powerful offense in the league thanks to their bruising interior attack spearheaded by Harry Froling and Jack Andrew while Carlin Davison and Owen Foxwell can push the pace to find space in transition. Their focus on the post can limit their volume from deep but they have shooters that need to be respected all across the court. Their pace and penchant for untimely turnovers limits their ceiling defensively but these are correctable mistakes if the focus can be maintained. Consistency is the key to their success as their top speed is above most of the competition but their ability to crash the glass on both ends will always be an equaliser.
Auckland has found a different level since the added Rob Loe (17ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.4apg) and Davo Hickey (27.8ppg, 10.3rpg, 9.5apg) to the lineup, a level that few teams have the ability to manage for a complete 40 minutes. Buay Tuach (18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.5stls) has been phenomenal in transition but he hasn't found the same volume from behind the 3-point line in recent weeks but much of that volume has found the hot hand of Charles Pride (12.6ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5stls) who has hit 11 triples in the last two outings. Tom Vodanovich (12.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 26% 3pfg) hasn't busted out as of yet but it is just a matter of time until he finds his range from deep, a condition that is likely to correct itself with a multi-three pointers made explosion. The depth offers a mix of vets who know how to fit in a role (Nick Barrow and Chris Mcintosh) and youth who offer a lift in energy and enthusiasm.
Matchup to Watch: Carlin Davison v Davo Hickey - While they may not match up every time they touch the court these are the two to watch. Both are on the short list of most athletic players in the league and can overwhelm defenses with the explosive capabilities but also have nuanced skill sets that can find form in other areas.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Airs | Tuatara |
| Scoring Offense | 100ppg (1st) | 89.63 (8th) |
| Scoring Defense | 94.43 (10th) | 85.88 (3rd) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 54% (4th) | 52% (7th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 43% (2nd) | 45% 7th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 37% (1st) | 31% (3rd) |
| Free Throw % | 69% (7th) | 72% (5th) |
| Three Point Rate | 33% (last) | 44% (2nd) |
| Three Point % | 33% (5th) | 33%(6th) |
| Turnover Rate | 14% (6th) | 14% (8th) |
| Assist Rate | 55% (8th) | 58%(5th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 29% (1st) | 23% (10th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 77% (2nd) | 80% (1st) |
| Block Rate | 10% (2nd) | 6% (10th) |
| Steal Rate | 11% (3rd) | 9% (9th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
