Night 'n Day Otago Nuggets (1-2) v The Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (2-1)
The Nuggets found their first win of the season behind great play from their stars while the Jets have surged into the top 6 while heavily relying on their stars. The Nugs returning to their home court looking for the same success they found on the road while the Jets have become comfortable with travel, starting the season with their 4th straight road game.
When: Thursday 27 March, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Boxscore here
Last Time Out:
Otago- The Nuggets dug deep and found their first win of the season behind a huge offensive day from Don Carey Jr (34pts, 5rbs, 3ast) and a near triple double from Jose Perez (20pts, 9rbs, 9ast). Otago went down early but went on an 18-0 run to take a lead they wouldn't relinquish again, eventually winning 93-86.
Manawatū - The Jets clocked the biggest scoreline of the season by dropping 122 points as they overpowered the still forming Indian Panthers. All 5 starters hit double figures, led by Miles Gibson (32pts, 17rbs, 4ast) and Corey Webster (28pts, 9rbs, 8ast) in what amounted to little more than a training run.
What to Look for
The Nuggets look to play through Perez in the post often, and he rewards the trust with an uncanny ability to get to the free throw line (32 attempts in 3 games) and find cutters when the extra attention comes his way. Carey Jr lets it fly from deep (19 attempts in 2 games) is similarly skilled getting to the line (17-18 ft's), and will need to stay hot to keep the offense of the Nuggets flowing. Todd Withers is in the final days of his temporary contract, but while here is possibly the premiere multi-positional defender in the league. Christian Martin had stepped into the starting lineup but is missing due to 3x3 duties, meaning Josh Aitcheson and Matthew Bardsley will get more minutes and greater opportunity to influence the offense. Production of the bench would be helpful but Coach Mike Kelly is still working through his preferred rotation.
The Jets might depend more on their starting lineup than any other team in the league, with just 7.6% (25 of 315 points scored) of their offense coming from the bench. That will be a problem if the starters get in foul trouble but as long as they are healthy and available the point is moot. Corey Webster (30ppg) is leading the league in scoring while shooting 46% from three, pulling the defensive attention whenever he has the ball in hand. Dontae Russo-Nance (20/7ppg)is playing the best offensive of his young career and has been delivering ball hawking defense on the perimter (3 stlspg) forming a potent backcourt combo. Eric Williams looks more comfortable every game and while his trey ball isn't hitting (1-11 3pfg) his athleticism has been overwhelming in transition.
Small Sample Size Stats:
Otago - The Nuggets struggle to defend the three point line as opponents shoot 42% from deep while allowing the 5th highest 3point rate (43%). They have the second most buckets scored off of assists (59% assist rate). They do a great job of getting to the line (40% free throw rate, 2nd in league).
Manawatū- The Jets lead the league in pace (89pg), scoring (105ppg) and are 4th in scoring defense (88ppg) leading to a league best points differential (+17). They produce steals at a high rate (12% steal rate, 3rd in league) and can protect the paint when beaten (12% block rate, 3rd). Despite their shooting skill they have the 3rd lowest 3point rate (38%) but get heaps of second chance opportunities with a 30% offensive rebounding rate (4th).
Matchup to Watch: Don Carey Jr v Corey Webster - Two of the top three scorers in the league will be matching up and if either wins the matchup handily they will likely win the game. Both guards love to launch the long ball but can still get to the cup when the defense bends. If it comes down to creating opportunities for others the balance could tip to Webster who has excelled creating for himself or teammates out of the pick and roll.
