ROUND 18 of the NBL saw some thrilling action from across the league, as the regular season came to the most exciting conclusion in recent memory.

There were plenty of big moments as a number of sides competed in must win games, with some of the competition’s biggest names produced some big performances in vital matches. With the results going right down to the wire, there were plenty of exceptional outings to choose from.

As revealed on the Got Next Podcast, which covers all things NBL and WNBL, Rookie Me Central has named its Team of the Week, and the 18th round of the fixture had plenty of stars making appearances.

Starters

Point Guard – Milton Doyle (Tasmania JackJumpers)

The ‘Silent Assassin’ was back at it again in Round 18, almost producing a triple-double as he helped the JackJumpers secure fourth spot in the standings. While he continued to score at a high rate, it was his work rebounding and passing that caught the eye. He finished the match with a statline of 20 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists as he gears up for an exciting finals campaign.

Shooting Guard – Rayjon Tucker (Melbourne United)

Tucker did everything he could to get United into the finals, continuing his offensive dominance from the back half of the season. Having fully found his feet in the last couple of months, Tucker was the man in a do-or-die clash for United, and he led the match with a game-high points total of 31 points to go with eight rebounds and five assists. Although Melbourne was booted out of the top six in unlucky fashion, the side could not have asked much more of Tucker.

Small Forward – Antonius Cleveland (Adelaide 36ers)

Cleveland earned his second consecutive NBL Best Defensive Player Award last week, and completely justified his selection with an outstanding finish to the season. The import had a pair of dominant performances on both ends of the court, making pundits wonder if the 36ers had been better off building the offence around him. With a box score of 23 points, five rebounds and seven assists against the Kings backed up by 30 points and six rebounds against United, he was a force to be reckoned with.

Power Forward – Jarell Brantley (New Zealand Breakers)

One of a number of Breakers imports to fire in season 2022/23, Brantley was at his impactful best in a must-win match against the Bullets. Needing to secure a victory in order to lock in a top-two spot, Brantley had a team-high 19 points along with five boards, producing a number of clutch moments in New Zealand’s overtime win.

Center – TaShawn Thomas (Perth Wildcats)

Thomas has also come into his own to close out the season, and delivered an excellent performance to kick off Perth’s fairytale run to the play-in. Against the Taipans, the big man produced 23 points and seven rebounds, a familiar statline for him of late, having found his feet at NBL level. Although his box score was not as flattering on Sunday, he played through an injury and steered Perth to glory.

Bench

Point Guard – Bryce Cotton (Perth Wildcats)

Although he had is struggles in the final match of the season, his showing against the Taipans was irrepressible, posting 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.

Shooting Guard – Corey Webster (Perth Wildcats)

With Cotton suffering a serious case of wayward shooting, Webster stood up for Perth in its biggest game of the season, recording 26 points and proving a reliable avenue to scoring.

Small Forward – Chris Goulding (Melbourne United)

The league’s best and most damaging sharpshooter was at it again in the win over the 36ers, finishing the match with 23 points, a total that was boosted thanks to five buckets from behind the three-point line.

Power Forward – Luke Travers (Perth Wildcats)

The fourth Wildcat to make an appearance in our team, Travers posted arguably his strongest performance in a Perth uniform, delivering 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists on the big stage.

Center – Tim Soares (Sydney Kings)

Soares has slotted in nicely to the Kings lineup, and in the absence of some big names, stepped up over the weekend with a 24-point, seven-rebound performance in a strong showing ahead of the finals.