Game Preview: Taipans v JackJumpers

After an impressive win against Adelaide, the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans are stepping back onto their home court – ready to defend it against the Tasmania JackJumpers. The reigning NBL champions are making the trek to the Far North after only facing Melbourne United this season - which the two teams have split 1-1.

The Snakes are hopeful to show their full-strength lineup for the first time this campaign in front of their faithful Orange Army, following Kyle Adnam’s electric debut in orange last weekend.

 

Where and When

Friday, October 4 at the Cairns Convention Centre (7:30pm AEST)

 

How to Follow

Watch: Live on ESPN

Live Updates: Taipans X

Stats: Box Score

 

What’s Already Happened

Round 2 Results 

Cairns Taipans (101) v Adelaide 36ers (97)

Tasmania JackJumpers (81) v Melbourne United (72)

 

The JackJumpers will be venturing to Cairns hoping to build upon a streak of narrow wins in the tropics, however they’ll face a revamped import trio who are looking to build upon the Taipans’ win on Saturday night.

Tanner Groves in particular will be eager to hit the court after sitting out most of the clash against Adelaide. The center led the team in points and rebounds in the opening round but entered Round 2 bruised, and despite launching into the night, he was rested for most of the second half.

Tasmania are entering Round 3 with a series of issues that they’re looking to rectify – the loss of backup point guard Sean Macdonald, and their struggles to hit shots, with the lowest rated shooting efficiency across the court, including at the stripe.

In a polar opposite, the Snakes were lights out on Saturday night – improving from 36% from the field and 29% from deep in their Round 1 performance to 53% and 51% respectively. This assault was led by Edwards – who currently leads the league in scoring – and a late barrage by Kyrin Galloway. 

However, the Tasmanian defense is keeping them competitive. Holding the league leading defensive rating as they venture to Cairns, only New Zealand and Sydney have restricted their opponents to fewer shots. Despite allowing slightly more attempts, Tasmania has limited their opponent’s accuracy to keep the scoring low, with a league low of 80 points conceded per game. 

Another positive for the JackJumpers is import Jordan Crawford, who despite being the shortest player in the league has been able to crash the boards hard – he’s ranked second on his team, and second for guards in the league. Coming off a 32-point performance in the final game of last season’s Championship Series, the guard has opened the new campaign averaging 14.5 points and will be looking to go to the next level against the Taipans.

 

Player to Watch

Brought to Cairns as a high scoring threat, Rob Edwards has taken to his new home court very well with a league leading 31-point game – shooting at a very impressive 70% and hitting six of eight shots from range. Now suiting up for his second game at the Cairns Convention Centre, the Microwave is set to continue setting the league alight against the reigning Champions.

Edwards is now able to return to his native shooting guard role with the hope to have all three point guards on the court, allowing him to take his game to the next level.

 

What’s Been Said

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde:

“The homecourt is important for us. The crowd was great for the AFL Grand Final weekend – was that 4,100 or something? We want to keep everybody coming back because they enjoy watching us play basketball, so it’s important that we keep continuing to put a good show on the floor.

“Kyle’s done a great job of showing that minutes are available for those who want to capitalise on it. Since I’ve been here we’ve always had the mindset of you eat what you kill, and Kyle’s done a great job of doing that last game, so now it’s on everybody else too. It’s one thing to be competitive, but it’s another thing to actually take minutes.”

 

Taipans Forward Sam Waardenburg:

“The energy has been great – the guys are loving being around one another in the locker room and off the court, and Rob has been throwing Taco Tuesdays. And on the court, guys are competing every single day and it’s just a good energy. Even after the Illawarra loss, the energy that week was really special with the way guys responded and seeing that gives you a lot of confidence in our squad.

“You saw a flash of Jonah last game, and how huge he can be for us. And it’s not just his shot, he has been huge defensively for us. He’s probably been our most consistent and best defensive player so far, and he’s been given some tough assignments as well. He just wants to be better and better, so it’s going to be a big year for him.”

 

The Lineups

Taipans

PG – Kyle Adnam / Jackson Makoi / Taran Armstrong

SG – Rob Edwards / Jonah Antonio / Kody Stattmann

SF – Pedro Bradshaw / Dillon Stith / Alex Higgins-Titsha

PF – Sam Waardenburg / Kyrin Galloway

C – Tanner Groves / Akoldah Gak

 

JackJumpers

PG – Jordan Crawford / Lachie Barker

SG – Milton Doyle / Craig Sword

SF – Anthony Drmic / Clint Steindl

PF – Majok Deng / Reuben Te Rangi

C – Will Magnay / Gorjok Gak / Fabijan Krslovic

 

Ins and Outs

Taipans

Ins – Taran Armstrong, Dillon Stith, Jackson Makoi, Alex Higgins-Titsha, Kody Stattmann

Outs – Tad Dufelmeier (Nominated Injury Replacement)

 

JackJumpers

No changes