THERE were some outstanding performances in the second round of the 2024/25 National Basketball League (NBL) season over the weekend, with multiple players reaching 30-plus points.

The games were high scoring around the courts as teams continue to find their offensive rhythm as the fixture progresses and some surprising results came about.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look three of the top performances over the weekend, with a trio of imports posting some match-winning performances in their respective outings.

Rob Edwards – Cairns Taipans

31 points, four assists

Edwards had his statement performance in the NBL to lead his Taipans to a four-point win over the Sixers on the weekend and their first victory of the season. Stepping up in the absence of point guard Taran Armstrong, the import was an immense figure in the context of the match, proving a consistent presence on the offensive end and helping Cairns to triple figures with the most points of any player on the court.

From the field, he shot 12/19, and did his best work from three-point land, nailing six triples on just nine attempts in a sharpshooting performance. He was also consistent across all four quarters, keeping the Taipans in the match in the first three periods before helping deliver the knockout blows in the final term.

Trey Kell III – Illawarra Hawks

30 points, four rebounds, three assists

The Hawks sit atop the standings at the conclusion of two rounds with a record of 3-0, and Kell’s performance in the win over the Bullets was a major factor in getting them there. Illawarra was pushed by a Brisbane side that delivered its best offensive showing of the season to date, but the Hawks rallied behind a career night from Kell.

He had 30 points and started the game in terrific form in particular, posting 13 in the first 10 minutes alone. He was deadly from midrange but did his best work using picks to get separation from his immediate defender before showing deft touch with a floater. Kell led the Hawks to a 13-point lead at quarter time, which proved defining in the context of the match.

Jaylen Adams – Sydney Kings

27 points, two rebounds, six assists

The Kings won their second consecutive game on the other side of the country, defeating the Wildcats by one point at RAC Arena on Friday night. It was shaping as one of the most exciting clashes to date this season, and the match delivered, going down to the wire as Sydney held on to claim a thrilling victory and cement its status as the team to beat.

Adams returned to his MVP form, having won the highest individual honour in the NBL a couple of years ago. He was the match-winner against Perth, and was coming up against one of his most talented peers in Bryce Cotton. Despite the tough competition, Adams was instrumental in getting the Kings over the line with 27 points and six assists, showing he can still be one of the premier players in the NBL despite playing on a stacked roster.