Steelformers Taranaki Airs (11-8, 4th) v Night 'n Day Otago Nuggets (2-11, 11th)
Taranaki looks to clinch the 3rd seed with a win but can’t look past a gritty Nuggets team that, despite a string of losses, brings the heat every game. Will the Nuggets grab a morale-boosting win to end their season, or will the Airs impose their will as they head into the postseason?
When: Friday 4th July, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal's NBL 7:30pm
Where: TSB Stadium, New Plymouth
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube | Livestream: Sky Sport Tik Tok: skysportnz |
Last Time Out:
The Airs travelled to Cowles Stadium looking to extend their strong run, facing a Rams side missing key players. Both teams traded blows in an entertaining first quarter, with the Airs edging ahead by one at the break. In the second quarter, Taranaki’s defensive pressure disrupted the Rams’ rhythm and fueled an efficient offensive surge, pushing the Airs out to a 51-39 halftime lead. After the break, Sean MacDonald did his best to spark the Rams with 27 points, but the Airs’ sharp shooting proved decisive. Deng Dut (25pts, 4ast) and Craig Moller (27pts, 11rbs, 7ast, 1blk) combined to shoot an extraordinary 14-19 from beyond the arc, with Moller hitting 9 triples at an incredible 81% clip. That hot hand kept the Rams at bay despite a late push, and the Airs secured a 98-89 road win to keep their momentum rolling as they close in on a home eliminator final.
Back in Dunedin for their final home game of the season, the Nuggets were determined to send their fans home happy. That determination sparked a hot start, as Don Carey Jr. (23pts, 8rbs, 4ast) lit it up from deep to help Otago build a 26-17 first-quarter lead over a desperate Tauranga Whai side fighting to keep their finals hopes alive. Anzac Rissetto (22pts, 5rbs, 1blk) battled inside to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and the Nuggets still held the advantage at halftime. But after the break, the Whai found their rhythm. Mojave King (23pts, 6rbs, 3ast, 2blks) made an impact in the third, and Tauranga pushed the lead out to as many as 17 early in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets refused to fold. Jono Janssen (25pts, 6rbs, 4ast) sparked a comeback, finding gaps inside while the team hit four clutch triples to cut the lead to two with just 30 seconds left. But a tough floater from Sean Bairstow (13pts, 4rbs, 8ast) and a decisive Rissetto block that led to a fastbreak dunk from King sealed the Nuggets’ fate. Despite a spirited fightback, the Nuggets fell 88-82, dropping their 14th consecutive game while the Whai kept their finals hopes alive.
What to Expect:
The Airs come into this matchup full of confidence, built on balanced scoring, suffocating defense, and, most recently, elite perimeter shooting. Expect them to push the tempo early and test the Nuggets’ transition defense, led by Carlin Davison’s unique blend of athleticism and playmaking. Look for Craig Moller to be a focal point at both ends, stretching the floor with his shooting while he and Jack Andrew anchor the boards to spark fast breaks. If Deng Dut and Moller heat up from deep like last game, the Airs become as dangerous as any team in the league. Defensively, Taranaki thrives on disrupting ball handlers and forcing turnovers, often turning those into easy points. With a top-four seed locked in and finals ahead, the Airs will aim to stay sharp, aggressive, and avoid any slip-ups against a Nuggets team eager to finish strong.
The Nuggets, meanwhile, will be out to play spoiler. Expect them to lean on their inside-out game and signature resilience. Look for Jono Janssen to be aggressive around the rim with post touches and pick-and-pop opportunities. With Don Carey Jr. unavailable, removing a key floor spacer and their leading scorer, the scoring load may shift to Jaylen Sebree and Patrick Freeman, who’ll likely see higher shot volumes. The Nuggets may focus more on building a presence in the paint, battling on the glass and finishing through contact to stay close. Despite a tough season, Otago has shown flashes of gritty defense and late-game fightbacks. Expect them to pack the paint, contest shots, and work to slow Taranaki’s transition game.
Matchup to Watch: Carlin Davison v Jaylen Sebree - Davison has become the engine of the Airs offense, evolving into a primary facilitator while retaining his elite athleticism and ability to stretch defenses. Sebree has been a valuable third scorer, but with Carey Jr. out, look for him to be more aggressive creating his own shot from deep and around the rim.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Airs | Nuggets |
| Scoring Offense | 93.16 (3rd) | 85.28 (10th) |
| Scoring Defense | 89.53 (5th) | 97.28 (last) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 53% (5th) | 49% (10th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 45% (5th) | 49% (last) |
| Free Throw Rate | 30% (3rd) | 29% (4th) |
| Free Throw % | 72% (5th) | 66% (11th) |
| Three Point Rate | 38% (9th) | 43% (1st) |
| Three Point % | 32% (7th) | 32% (4th) |
| Turnover Rate | 13% (7th) | 13% (6th) |
| Assist Rate | 57% (7th) | 54% (9th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 30% (2nd) | 25% (8th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 76% (4th) | 71% (8th) |
| Block Rate | 11% (2nd) | 5% (last) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (6th) | 10% (5th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
