That’s right — the team that spent five seasons in the wilderness, and once lost 33 games in a row, is on the cusp of creating franchise history.
The Nuggets’ wonderful come-from-behind 93-89 win over the Tuatara in Auckland on Thursday night was the team’s 10th straight win in the National Basketball League.
It equalled a franchise record, and coach Brent Matehaere said the team was keen "to go one better".
"Obviously we’re really happy with how the whole franchise is rolling," he said.
"I think the set-up that we’ve got now is top level and I guess the performances on court are showing it.
"I mentioned [the record] to the boys after the game and congratulated them for equalling it. Now we’ve got an opportunity to go one better."
All the recent success is a little bewildering for seasoned fans who suffered through some long lean patches.
The team infamously put together a 33-game losing streak between April 2008 and May 2011.
The Nuggets had a year out of the league in 2009, though, when Basketball Otago had run into financial trouble.
Financial problems returned again in 2014 when the cost of running the team almost put the association out of business.
The Nuggets dropped out of the league and did not re-emerge until 2020. Sport Entertainment Network New Zealand (SENZ) bought the Nuggets in late 2021 and it has been nothing but net since.
SENZ’s Australian parent company owns the Perth Wildcats and a relationship has developed between the two teams which has served the Nuggets nicely.
That relationship dished up Michael Harris this season. The Australian shooting guard produced a breakout performance against the Giants last week and he shone again during the second half against the Tuatara.
He banged in a late three-pointer to help seal the win.
The next player likely to pop up at the Nuggets from the Wildcats is Tall Blacks guard Tai Webster.
Matehaere confirmed Webster was firmly on their radar.
"With all Tall Black players, who are not currently playing in a league, there is an opportunity for them to come in and play some games in the NBL to help prepare for the world champs.
"Tai has an allegiance with the Perth Wildcats, and so we’d love to have him.
"It hasn’t happened yet, but there is certainly talks going on in the background."
Perhaps that answer is best interpreted as he has not signed yet.
Webster would significantly boost the Nuggets’ offensive potential.
The more immediate focus is on the next game, and there is a record to break.
The Bulls are hovering ominously in fifth place with three wins from five games. They beat the Tuatara 90-85 in their last outing and boast an impressive roster.
Isaac Davidson, Jayden Bezzant, Dom Kelman-Poto and imports Jamaal Brantley and Rickey McGill will present plenty of challenges.
The Nuggets have a few hurdles ahead. Jack Andrew is out with an ankle complaint, and key import Todd Withers is nursing a foot injury but is expected to suit up.
Here is a funny wee story to finish. The coverage cut out during the Nuggets’ game against the Tuatara and among the many texts Matehaere spotted afterwards was one burning quip from his wife.
"My wife messaged me and said the coverage has stopped, I’m going to bed. Hope you play better in the second half."
NBL
Auckland, 7pm
Otago Nuggets: Sam Timmins, Robbie Coman, Todd Withers, Michael Harris, JaQuori McLaughlin, Matt Bardsley, Darcy Knox, Josh Aitcheson, Patrick Freeman.
Franklin Bulls: Rickey McGill, Jamaal Brantley, Isaac Davidson, Dom Kelman-Poto, Dan Fotu, Te Tuhi Lewis, Jayden Bezzant, KC Nwafor, John Anderson, Christian Vano, Zach McKenzie, Brody Perry.
