ON Wednesday night’s action at the National Basketball League (NBL) Blitz on the Gold Coast, it was the teams that have been seriously transformed over the off-season that got the job done.

The 2024/25 NBL season is shaping up to be one of the most even fixtures in recent memory, largely due to the large amount of roster changes around the competition, with some sides looking completely different to the last time they hit the hardwood floor.

Now the Blitz is giving a telling look at how much the landscape has changed over the last few months, and the sides that finished lower in the standings last season certainly have no plans to repeat that result.

NBL Blitz – Wednesday, September 11

New Zealand Breakers (91) def. by Adelaide 36ers (98)

It was a big day for the Sixers yesterday, firstly announcing a huge import signing (stay tuned to Rookie Me Central later today) and defeating the Breakers by seven points on the Gold Coast to kick things off for the day.

Adelaide entered the game unbeaten at the Blitz, while the Breakers were still searching for their first win in the build up to the 2024/25 season.

It was a game of ebbs and flows, with both teams having control of the contest for at least the span of a quarter. This trend began when the Sixers jumped out to a six-point lead at quarter time, before New Zealand dominated the second period, outscoring 29-16 Adelaide to lead at the main change.

Although it looked as if the Breakers were in the box seat, Adelaide produced a match-defining third quarter performance, and showed just how stacked its starting lineup is going to be in the 2024/25 season. The Sixers won the term 34-17, setting up another victory in the preseason.

It was Adelaide’s big three of Kendric Davis, Isaac Humphries and Dejan Vasiljevic that stood above the rest in their team’s seven-point win. Davis top-scored for the match with 23 points and continues to light up the floor, while Humphries posted a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds in a strong return to form. ‘DJ’ was his usual reliable self on the scoring front with 15 points and was electric at times with his ability to find the bottom of the net.

As expected, Parker Jackson-Cartwright was New Zealand’s best with 21 points and eight assists and looks set for another productive year, while he found a partner-in-crime in the form of Matthew Mooney, who had 20 points of his own in an eye-catching performance.

Sydney Kings (101) def. by SEM Phoenix (113)

The rejuvenated Phoenix have produced a statement victory in the Blitz, defeating title-favourites Sydney to the tune of 12 points on Wednesday night.

It was a result that was built on the back of a powerful fourth quarter performance, one that essentially decided the result of the match. South East Melbourne came home like a wet sail, outscoring the Kings 24-13 to seal an impressive victory that showed off the true potential of this team.

The Phoenix shot 54 per cent from the field, and looked extremely dangerous in half court sets. Having constructed a roster that brings a lot of offensive firepower to the table, it was only a matter of time before they got the win in a high-scoring affair.

It was the imports that got the job done for the Phoenix, with James Wieskamp (24 points) and Matt Hurt (18 points) firing in the victory over the Kings. Local recruit Nathan Sobey had 20 points of his own while Derrick Walton Jr dished out seven dimes.

Despite the result, the Kings would have been thrilled with the performance of Next Star Alex Toohey, who was electric with a game-high 26 points. He shot 8/11 from the field and a perfect 4/4 from behind the arc, and combined well in the frontcourt with Cameron Oliver, who posted 19 points and six rebounds.