The NBL ladder after Round 13 reveals a shifting landscape with Adelaide maintaining first place, while some former leaders struggle. The Sydney Kings have surged up the rankings, and Brisbane has undergone significant changes with Stu Lash’s departure.
Adelaide 36ers Hold Top Spot
Adelaide 36ers stayed at the summit with a 15-4 record despite a narrow 97-93 loss to Sydney Kings, ending their eight-game winning streak. Their offense ranks first and defense fourth, demonstrating well-rounded performance under coach Mike Wells.
South East Melbourne Phoenix Strengthen Title Bid
South East Melbourne Phoenix sit second at 13-6, boasting the best defense in the league. Their recent wins, including a comeback victory over Perth Wildcats, show their growing momentum. The club replaced import Hunter Maldonado with seasoned guard Ian Clark, reinforcing championship ambitions.
Sydney Kings on the Rise
The Sydney Kings climbed to third place with an 11-7 record, ranked second both offensively and defensively. Coach Brian Goorjian’s leadership and the return of Matthew Dellavedova have revitalized the team. Round 13 featured a critical overtime win against Adelaide and a dominant 42-point victory over Cairns.
Melbourne United Faces Form Slump
Melbourne United dropped to fourth with a 14-7 record after winning just one of their last five games. Injuries to key players Shea Ili and Chris Goulding have contributed to their decline. The team’s defensive rank remains strong at third, but recent results have raised questions about their capacity to maintain early-season form.
Middle of the Pack: Perth Wildcats and Tasmania JackJumpers
Perth Wildcats at fifth (11-9) struggle with late-game leads despite 30 points from Kristian Doolittle in a recent win. Ankle injury to Dylan Windler creates uncertainty. Tasmania JackJumpers hold sixth place (9-11), showing signs of cohesion under coach Scott Roth. Their recent road win over Melbourne United boosts their confidence heading into home matches against New Zealand and South East Melbourne.
Lower Ladder Challenges
The Illawarra Hawks (6-12) remain eighth but played competitively against top teams despite losing both Round 13 games. New Zealand Breakers fall to seventh with a 7-13 record after a winless round. Their bench and imports need to step up for a Boxing Day clash against Tasmania.
Brisbane Bullets Enter New Era
Brisbane Bullets sit ninth at 6-14 and have replaced Stu Lash with interim coach Darryl McDonald. After a tough loss to South East Melbourne, Brisbane snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 99-85 win over New Zealand. McDonald’s approach appears to have sparked renewed energy within the squad.
Cairns Taipans Struggle Offensively
Cairns Taipans remain at the bottom with a 5-14 record and rank last defensively and offensively. Despite Jack McVeigh’s 47-point explosion earlier in the season, the team suffered a heavy defeat to Sydney Kings. Management issues may underlie their underwhelming results. Cairns faces a tough Christmas Eve game against Adelaide and Bryce Cotton.
Team Rankings Summary After Round 13
- Adelaide 36ers (15-4)
- South East Melbourne Phoenix (13-6)
- Sydney Kings (11-7)
- Melbourne United (14-7)
- Perth Wildcats (11-9)
- Tasmania JackJumpers (9-11)
- New Zealand Breakers (7-13)
- Illawarra Hawks (6-12)
- Brisbane Bullets (6-14)
- Cairns Taipans (5-14)
The NBL’s festive period is set to intensify with title contenders gaining momentum and struggling teams seeking to build confidence. Brisbane’s coaching change introduces new dynamics, while Adelaide and South East Melbourne aim to solidify their lead. Fans can expect a crucial few weeks that may shape the outcome of the season heading into the new year.
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