THE National Basketball League (NBL) has reached the halfway mark for the 2023/24 season, and it appears things are truly starting to heat up.

Round 10 was already filled with intrigue before the games even started, with the departure of Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton and the shock sacking of SEM Phoenix guard Will Cummings culminating in one of the more significant news weeks in recent memory. The surprising nature continued into the games, with the round’s first match having some bizarre circumstances. Despite this, the basketball was still at the highest quality, with some excellent games taking place across the courts. Although there was just six games this week, there was still a lot of excitement in these affairs, including nail-biting matches, upset wins and highlight plays.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will continue its As It Stands series, unpacking all the action from the round and what it means moving forward.

As It Stands

Cairns Taipans (83) def. by Sydney Kings (86)

In a strange start to the round, the Kings emerged victorious over the Taipans to the tune of three points at Cairns Convention Centre. The game was played without a shot clock in the second half, and without air conditioning, which resulted in plenty of slips and some odd offensive possessions. Regardless, the visitors held off a Taipans comeback to get the job done on the road.

Former MVP Jaylen Adams was the hero for the Kings, nailing the necessary free throws late in the game and finishing with 24 points, the most of anyone in the match. For the Taipans, Patrick Miller continued his hot form of late with 22 points in a valiant effort.

Illawarra Hawks (100) def. Perth Wildcats (82)

In the first upset of the round, the Hawks continued their resurgence under head coach Justin Tatum and defeated the in-form Wildcats by a whopping 18 points. It was a victory built on the back of a 38-point first quarter from the home side at WIN Entertainment Stadium on Friday night, and Illawarra looked electric offensively as it handed Perth its first loss in seven games.

Forward Sam Froling produced his best outing of the season with 21 points and six rebounds, while import Gary Clark had 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in an excellent all-around outing from the forward.

New Zealand Breakers (80) def. by Tasmania JackJumpers (97)

The JackJumpers claimed another road win on Saturday evening, this time defeating the Breakers by 17 points at Spark Arena. Tasmania held New Zealand to eight points in the second period, which proved to be a defining factor in the game, with the Breakers unable to overcome the deficit in the second half as Tasmania held onto second spot in the standings.

With MVP fancy Milton Doyle missing the game, fellow guard Jordan Crawford stepped up with an excellent display. He carried the team’s offence to finish the game with 30 points (16 in the first quarter) and knock down six triples.

Adelaide 36ers (101) def. by Cairns Taipans (116)

In the highest scoring affair of the round, the Taipans bounced back from Thursday’s loss to claim a 15-point win over the 36ers in the second of Saturday’s match. Cairns stormed home in the final quarter to outscore the opposition 31-17 in that time and cruise home to a big victory and its highest score of the season to date.

Once again, Miller top-scored with 26 points, Next Star Bobi Klintman had 22 of his own, but it was Tahjere McCall that stole the show. The guard made history when he became the first player in the 40-minute era to record 15 points (he had 19 for the match) and 15 assists in a game. For the 36ers, explosive guard Dejan Vasiljevic tried his hardest with a game-high 30 points in the loss.

Melbourne United (103) def. Brisbane Bullets (68)

United claimed one of the most emphatic wins of the 2023/24 season on Sunday afternoon, when it handed the Bullets a whopping 35-point loss at John Cain Arena. Melbourne led from start to finish in a dominant display that was as demonstrative of a bounce back as the team could have asked for coming off last round’s loss to the Taipans.

Veteran sharpshooter Chris Goulding nailed six three-pointers in the first half en route to 21 points for the match as he continued his masterful offensive season, while teammate Luke Travers was impressive as well with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Sydney Kings (94) def. by SEM Phoenix (104)

The final game of the round saw the Phoenix deliver a statement performance by handing the reigning champions a 10-point loss at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday afternoon. After struggling on the road over the first nine rounds, South East Melbourne put the Kings to the sword in an excellent offensive display to record an important victory as it chases a top-four spot.

We flagged it in our Ones to Watch article last week, and Mitch Creek delivered in a big way with 33 points in a heroic display for the Phoenix. His partner in crime in Alan Williams was just as impressive with 21 points and 15 rebounds in the win.

Ladder

1. Melbourne United (11-3)
2. Tasmania JackJumpers (9-5)
3. SEM Phoenix (8-6)
4. Sydney Kings (8-6)
5. Perth Wildcats (8-6)
6. Brisbane Bullets (7-78
7. Cairns Taipans (6-8)
8. Illawarra Hawks (4-8)
9. New Zealand Breakers (4-9)
10. Adelaide 36ers (4-10)