A CAREER-BEST performance from Marshall Nelson has given the Willetton Tigers a spot in the National Basketball League (NBL1) West Men’s Grand Final, after defeating the Rockingham Flames in a thriller on Thursday night.

With a spot in the big dance on the line, Thursday’s clash at Willetton Basketball Stadium had plenty of hype coming in. Both sides had performed well throughout the regular season, and it was anyone’s game based on the ability of each team to post a winning score.

The home crowd was stunned as the Flames jumped out to a whopping 17-point lead in the opening term. The Tigers were restricted to just 12 points, with their offence unable to fire a shot in the first 10 minutes. However, Willetton got off the chain as the match rolled on, chipping away at the deficit at a rapid pace with some high-scoring quarters. Heading into the fourth term, the home side still trailed by seven, but a 37-25 final period was enough to see the Tigers storm home to a five-point victory, securing a place in the Grand Final.

Nelson was immensely important in getting the Tigers to victory, exploding for the best performance of his NBL1 career on the biggest stage.

Willetton Tigers (108) def. Rockingham Flames (103)

Marshall Nelson – 48 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal

In a season-saving performance, Nelson absolutely erupted for a terrific scoring showing with his side’s 2024 campaign on the line.

Accounting for nearly half of his side’s total score (a remarkable feat given the Tigers poured in 108 points), Nelson led the comeback in emphatic fashion, putting Willetton on his back when it needed a leader offensively.

From the field, he shot 16/24 in an extremely efficient showing, rarely wasting an opportunity after quarter time to inspire his side to one of the most remarkable victories of the season.

The point guard was deadly from behind the arc, nailing eight of his 12 attempts from three-point land in a tremendous shooting display. Some of these came down the stretch with the game on the line, and proved extremely vital in the context of the match.

He poured in 18 points in the decisive final term, taking over with some clutch baskets to give his side the lead for the first time throughout the match.

It was as good a performance as the Tigers could have asked for from Nelson, who single-handedly dragged his side over the line and booked a spot in the big dance.