The Tasmania JackJumpers delivered yet another shock to the NBL landscape by upsetting the South-East Melbourne Phoenix 87-84 in a thrilling home game. This result extends the JackJumpers’ reputation as the league’s most unpredictable team and highlights the Phoenix’s sluggish performance after an extended break.
Coming off a tough overtime loss three days prior, Tasmania capitalised on South-East Melbourne’s lethargic start to build a commanding 16-point lead by halftime. Despite a late surge where the Phoenix closed the gap to a single point with 30 seconds remaining, the JackJumpers held their nerve to secure the win. Key moment came when Nathan Sobey missed two three-point attempts in the final seconds, sealing the upset.
A Tale of Two Halves
South-East Melbourne’s offensive woes were evident early on, shooting under 30% from the field in the first half and hitting just five of nine three-point attempts. Their lack of focus was visible, with turnovers leading to easy JackJumpers fast breaks. Tasmania’s superior ball movement impressed, recording a 12-5 assist advantage by the break, reflecting their sharper offensive execution.
Nathan Sobey’s 27 points, including 14 before halftime, kept the Phoenix within reach. The star guard expressed mixed feelings about the nine-day hiatus, which contrasted with Tasmania’s busy schedule of four games in the same period. Sobey acknowledged the challenge of maintaining rhythm but also the value of reintegrating team members during the break.
Bench Strength Ignites Tasmania
The JackJumpers received an unexpected boost from their bench, who outscored the Phoenix reserves 39-16. Majok Deng led this charge, exploding for 21 points after a recent scoring drought. With starting center Will Magnay limited by early foul trouble and held to six points, Deng’s aggressive play and efficient shooting (4-8 field goals) proved pivotal.
This bench resurgence may signal a turning point for Tasmania, who have struggled with consistency at home, earning only three wins in eleven games this season. Their ability to compete against top-tier opponents such as the Phoenix and Melbourne United adds another layer of intrigue to their campaign.
South-East Melbourne’s Post-Holiday Lethargy
Coming back from a lengthy festive break appears to have disrupted the Phoenix’s rhythm. Despite a three-game winning streak prior to the layoff, their offense lacked urgency and cohesion against a determined Tasmania side. The in-form Ian Clark, a recent signing and NBL Sixth Man of the Year, showed glimpses of promise in his debut with seven points and four assists across 15 minutes but did not significantly alter the flow.
The Phoenix’s inability to convert opportunities and maintain defensive discipline until the closing stages ultimately cost them the contest. Their slow start put them in a hole too deep to escape, even with Sobey’s heroic efforts late in the game.
Tasmania’s Enigma Continues
The JackJumpers remain one of the most difficult teams to predict in the NBL. Their inconsistent performances are both frustrating and captivating; they have earned impressive victories against strong teams but also suffered unexpected losses, like their recent overtime defeat to the New Zealand Breakers.
Monday’s win over the Phoenix might be a signal of the JackJumpers finding a spark to climb the standings. With a current record pushing them closer to the playoff contention and an improved bench contribution, Tasmania continues to defy expectations week after week.
The clash demonstrated how breaks during the season can impact teams differently and highlighted the value of bench players stepping up under pressure. Tasmania’s ability to combine opportunistic offense with resilient defense allowed them to stifle a favored Phoenix squad despite lacking a dominant starting performance from captain Magnay. The JackJumpers’ volatile but competitive style maintains their status as the NBL’s most unpredictable side.
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