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Nuggets Clinch OT Win With Slammin’ Sam On Fire

The Go Media Otgao Nuggets have extended their winning streak to three with a 92-85 overtime victory against the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets. In direct contrast, the loss pushes the Jets to a tough 0-5 start to their Sal's NBL season.

In a contest featuring 14 lead changes and five times tied, the Nuggets overcame a strong fightback by the home team late in regular time to register a gutsy win - taking their season to a 3-1 start.

The first half belonged to the Nuggets with both Sam Timmins and Richie Rodger weaving their magic, helping the visitors to a 44-35 lead, but it was a half filled with momentum swings.

As much as the Jets tried to work their way back into the game it wasn't until the dying minutes of regular time before they hit the front, an advantage that was wiped out with a buzzer-beating lay-up from Isaiah Moss.

Overtime started in dramatic fashion when Timmins hit the floor clutching his knee after trying to deflect the inbound pass to start the period, a ripple that was no doubt felt throughout Dunedin. By his own admission, Timmins said post-game on Sky Sport that he felt like his "whole life flashed before his eyes."

Amazingly, just a minute or two later, Timmins was back on court and adding more stats to his huge night, including a couple of big plays in the final passages to lead his team to victory.

His performance was both inspiring and impressive.

The Jets will be disappointed with the loss, they had their chances, but right now it just doesn't seem to be working for them.

On the upside, DeAndre Daniels found some form and will take some confidence from an improved performance. On the downside, Jayden Bezzant just couldn't get going on a night when his scoring prowess would have been handy.

 

Manawatu Jets (85) lost to Otago Nuggets (92) - BOXSCORE

Jets: DeAndre Daniels (22pts & 11rbs), Nikau McCullough (19pts), Daishon Knight (18pts).

Nuggets: Sam Timmins (29pts & 25rbs), Isaiah Moss (19pts), Richie Rodger (16pts).

 

Game Highlights

1. Sam Timmins came to play in a big way and left no doubt as to who was the player of the game with a huge haul of 29 points and 25 rebounds. The big centre survived a scare at the start of overtime when he hit the floor clutching his knee, only to return to the action just a minute later to play a key role in helping his team grab the win.
2. DeAndre Daniels was looking for some confidence after a slow start to the season and he found it tonight with a strong all-round game. Onwards and upwards from here for the talented American forward.
3. Richie Rodger's first half (14pts) was a sign of real maturity and a step forward in his young Sal's NBL career. His confidence will grow as a result.

 

Stuff MVP Votes

Sam Timmins (Nuggets) 10

DeAndre Daniels (Jets) 7

Isaiah Moss (Nuggets) 6

Nikau McCullough (Jets) 5

Richie Rodger (Nuggets) 2

(Photo Credit: PhotosportNZ)