The Otago Nuggets have embraced a surround and suffocate strategy on defence and it has carried them to a 6-0 start in the National Basketball League.
The Wellington Saints (2-4) have opted for an attacking style of basketball and have got off to a stuttering start.
But they looked more like the team which dominated the league during the past decade or so in their last hit-out.
They dispatched the Southland Sharks 110-98 in Invercargill on Sunday.
Kyle Adnam grabbed the headlines with his 18 assists and 19 points, while forward Tohi Smith-Milner popped in 25 points.
Both those players will present a big defensive challenge when the sides meet at the Edgar Centre today.
The home team is well-placed to douse the Saints’ attack, though.
The Nuggets have compiled the best defensive record in the league. They are giving up a measly 76.3 points per game on average.
The Saints, however, are averaging 93.5 points a game which is the second best in the league.
Their problem is they have conceded a league-worst 95.7 points per game.
Todd Withers has been the chief architect behind the Nuggets’ impressive efforts at that end of the court.
The American forward has got a little banged up recently. He took a blow to the knee in Auckland last week and was nursing another complaint.
But he has recovered and will be ready to go.
Nuggets back-up centre Jack Andrew is still in doubt, however. He has an ankle complaint and missed the road trip north for the win against the Auckland Tuatara and Franklin Bulls.
Coach Brent Matehaere said a decision on his availability will be made today.
There was no more news on whether Tai Webster will be joining the Nuggets this season.
But the Otago Daily Times understands that work continues to go on in the background and it is looking increasing likely the Tall Blacks guard will slip on a Nuggets’ singlet soon.
The Saints have got history on their side. They have won four of the last five games against Otago.
But the Nuggets have set the benchmark this season and are chasing a franchise record.
"We have to get to seven first," Matehaere responded when questioned about the milestone.
Getting to seven will not be easy either.
The Saints have a lot of threats in the line-up.
"They are certainly a three-point shooting threat. But also they get down hill and to the hoop, so we have to be really mindful of their ability to score at the rim but also take away that three-point option.
"We’re looking at a side that needs a win. They need runs on the board.
"They’ve got a one-game road trip this week and they will be putting all their efforts into getting it done. We’ve got to make sure we match that with our intensity."
"[Tom] Vodanovich can come out and torch you. He always thinks he is open on the three point line.
"Kyle Adnam is weaving his magic and scoring the ball as well. He got a large amount of points alongside those 18 assists, so he is certainly a threat.
"And Taane Samuel comes off the bench for the Saints. He’s a starter in every other team in the league, so they’ve got some players.
"Tohi Smith-Milner is shooting one of the top percentages in the league from the three point line. He’s a big strong guy, who finishes really well on the inside as well."
Smith-Milner’s match-up with Sam Timmins could prove decisive.
Timmins has the size edge and it will be an opportunity for the Nuggets to press that advantage. The Nuggets captain notched 18 point and 14 rebounds in a strong performance against the Bulls.
- The Hawke’s Bay Hawks (3-4) beat the Taranaki Airs (2-5) 102-93 in New Plymouth on Thursday night.
A trio of former Nuggets made a big impact. Jordan Ngatai banged in 31 points, Jordan Hunt registered a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, and veteran point guard Jarrod Kenny chipped in with 14 points and five assists.
They all helped the Nuggets win the 2020 NBL Showdown.
National Basketball League
Dunedin, 5pm
Otago Nuggets: Sam Timmins, Robbie Coman, Todd Withers, Michael Harris, JaQuori McLaughlin, Matthew Bardsley, Darcy Knox, Josh Aitcheson, Patrick Freeman, Max Pearce, Michael Ruske, Jack Andrew.
Wellington Saints: Tohi Smith-Milner, Isaiah Mucius, Tom Vodanovich, Marlon Taylor, Kyle Adnam, Taane Samuel, Francis Mulvihill, Rangimarie Dougall-Mita, Kenneth Tiffin, Kawharu Hippolitie.
