NBS Nelson Giants (3-10, 11th) v Big Barrel Hawks (7-7, 6th)
The Giants have been playing at a much higher level of late but are out of room for error. Every game from here is a must-win. The Hawks, meanwhile, are fighting to hold onto a playoff spot — a win would give them the breathing room they've been chasing. Will the Hawks solidify their place in the top six, or will the Giants play spoiler and keep their faint finals hopes alive?
When: Monday 2nd June, Rapid League 10pm, Sal's NBL 2pm
Where: Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 1 and Sky Open | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Hawks traveled to Christchurch where they wrestled control of the game away from the Rams in the second quarter, building a 7 point lead on a halfway through the term, but the Rams battled back to tie the game at 54 just before the halftime break. The home teams momentum continued in the third term, building a 9 point buffer, but the Hawks fought back, taking a 2 point lead on a Jackson Ball (25pts) triple halfway through the quarter. But the depth of the Rams shone through, as Walter Brown (22pts, 6rbs, 4ast) and Taylor Britt (22pts, 3ast) led the way as the Rams pulled away for the 105-101 victory.
In Nelson, the Giants looked poised to end a year-long drought at the Trafalgar Centre, jumping out to a 20-point lead over the ladder-leading Rams thanks to Alex Robinson’s two-way spark (22 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts, 4 stls) and Cal McRae’s work inside. But a Sean MacDonald buzzer-beater to end the third sparked a comeback, with CJ Penha (16 pts, 14 rebs) and Walter Brown (15 pts) leading the charge. Brown’s late free throws sealed an 89–87 heartbreak for the Giants, who again came up just short despite a strong showing.
What to Expect:
The Giants may still be clinging to the hope that a remarkable turnaround could still see them storm home and battle for a Final 6 spot, and they aren't wrong, but they will need to go without a loss the rest of the season to even have a chance. The current lineup has much better balance than early in the season with Jeremy Combs and Callum McRae able to do damage on the block while Alex Robinson and Andrew Jones find penetration off the dribble. Combs in particular was a real problem for the Hawks in their last matchup, look for him to be a focus again. A lift in perimeter shooting would allow that quartet to find a bit more space, but until Liam Judd finds more volume from deep the 3-point shooting remains a hit and miss prospect. Depth provided by Sam Dempster, Hayden Jones, Alex McNaught and Lachlan Crate is crucial and all will be counted on for long stretches where they will need to produce on both ends. Rebounding will be key and they will need to pick up their level of physicality to keep an undersized Hawks team off the glass.
The Hawks are deep on the perimeter, led by Dan Grida, Jackson Ball and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and looking to weave Brandon Alston into the mix. Luca Yates is now the lone true big on the roster and he will need to play with physicality while staying out of foul trouble to give his team a chance. The work on the glass will be key, but the Hawks will hope that their perimeter prowess will force the Giants to adjust to their style of play. If that does happen there will need to be a lift in the collective effort on the glass, as Nelson's big bodies will look to create advantage there.
Matchup to Watch: Jeremy Combs v Dan Grida- Grida will be the defacto power forward in the new look Hawks lineup and he'll be asked to play above his size in the matchup with Combs. But while Combs will have the advantage on the block Grida can look to press the advantage in transition and off the bounce in the halfcourt.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Giants | Hawks |
| Scoring Offense | 85.46 (10th) | 90.79 (5th) |
| Scoring Defense | 92.54 (6th) | 93.57 (9th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 50% (last) | 55% (2nd) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 48% (8th) | 46% (7th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 28% (4th) | 33% (2nd) |
| Free Throw % | 76% (1st) | 67% (10th) |
| Three Point Rate | 36% (10th) | 39% (7th) |
| Three Point % | 32% (6th) | 31% (7th) |
| Turnover Rate | 13% (7th) | 14% (9th) |
| Assist Rate | 62% (2nd) | 53% (last) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 28% (4th) | 21% (last) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 71% (10th) | 72% (9th) |
| Block Rate | 6% (8th) | 5% (last) |
| Steal Rate | 9% (8th) | 8% (11th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com5
