McVeigh, Stattmann Seal Derby Bragging Rights Over Bullets

Queensland bragging rights were on the line and marquee marksman Jack McVeigh and Cairns local Kody Stattmann led the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans to a 3-1 season-series win, grinding out an 81-72 victory over bitter Queensland rivals the Brisbane Bullets at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde injected Reyne Smith into the starting lineup for his first game back from a plantar fascia tear suffered in Round 7, but Cairns’ response after a slow opening turned the tide. 

Out of a Forde timeout, Cairns ripped off a 9-0 run, highlighted by Andrew Andrews firing a full-court pass to Mojave King for a two-hand slam before diming up centre Marcus Lee for another hammer dunk.

That burst helped Cairns seize control of the tempo and surge to a 24-13 quarter-time lead.

With both sides missing their primary big men, Brisbane without Tyrell Harrison (concussion) and Cairns without Sam Waardenburg (ankle), Lee and Bullets big man Jacob Holt were forced into bigger roles.

Brisbane steadied in the second term with former Chicago Bull Terry Taylor (10 points) providing a scoring foothold in his return from suspension. 

But each time the Bullets threatened to make it a one-possession game, Cairns found a response and it came through dangerous shooter Stattmann.

The gifted scorer stamped his authority on the rivalry clash, bursting into the paint and finishing through contact while also picking off easy scores around the rim to keep the Taipans’ momentum rolling. 

The 25-year-old led the side with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench heading into halftime with a 43-36 lead. 

The Bullets came out of the gates after halftime and turned it into a grind, muscling their way back into the contest and forcing the travelling side to defend deeper into possessions. 

With both teams struggling to find their range, the Taipans 5-22 from three and Brisbane 2-17, the quarter became a scrap decided by effort plays. 

Brisbane’s work on the glass hurt Cairns, owning the offensive rebound count 23-7 and total boards 46-33 at the end of the term.

Cairns steadied through McVeigh, who grew into the game after a quiet start and delivered timely scores to halt Brisbane’s momentum, keeping the Taipans in front 61-57 at three-quarter time. 

McVeigh finished with 22 points (7-18 FG) and five rebounds, scoring 17 of his 22 in the second half.

In the final two minutes, Andrews delivered the knockout in the clutch, drilling a huge three before Taylor responded with a tough look at the other end. 

Andrews then answered straight back with another dagger to restore a 78-70 Taipans lead, as Cairns closed out the 81-72 victory. 

King, who celebrated his 50th game in orange on Friday night, was busy on the glass with a career-high 11 rebounds and 13 points (5-10 FG).

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde
‍“I don’t think we had any business winning that game after giving up 25 more offensive rebounds leading to 26 more shots than us. Our scout leading into the game was strong in how we wanted to defend and collapse on them in the paint. We had some great looks on the offensive end. It was just the offensive rebounds that were an issue. Brisbane had more energy and hustle than us. We got over the line in the end and we’ll take a win because they have been few and far between.”

“We’ve got two more games, all I want is effort. We’ll do a better job of it with the rebounds especially, but credit to the guys for closing out the game the way they did.”

“(Kody) is definitely getting better, it’s just a matter of stringing that consistency together and building that identity, which he’s doing a good job of. As a wing player, he can create off the bounce with a nice drive and spin move. His ability to come off the on-ball screen and be a floor spacer when the defence collapses in, he’s able to find his windows. On the defensive end, we’ve given him tough assignments, there’s not too many 6ft 8in players with his length and size. Add a little bit more desire and consistency to that and he’ll be a mainstay in the league for sure.”

McVeigh v Taylor Arm Wrestle

For long stretches, this derby tilted on the back of two former NBA forwards who refused to let the game drift. 

Former Houston Rocket McVeigh found his rhythm after a quiet start as Cairns leaned on his shot-making to steady the ship during Brisbane’s runs. 

At the other end, former Chicago Bull Taylor was a constant problem, posting a game-high 25 points (12-22 FG) and six offensive rebounds in his return from suspension, repeatedly muscling his way to deep paint position and generating second and third chances when Brisbane needed a hit of momentum.

Next Man Up

With Brisbane missing Tyrell Harrison (concussion) and Cairns without Sam Waardenburg (ankle), the frontcourt battle became a survival test and both teams were forced to patch together solutions at centre. 

Veteran Marcus Lee delivered valuable minutes and presence, finishing with eight points and nine rebounds as the Taipans fought to protect the rim and compete on the glass. 

Brisbane’s Jacob Holt made Cairns pay for any lapse in physicality, finishing with 13 points (6-15 FG) and 11 rebounds, including seven offensive boards, as the Bullets punished the Taipans on second chances and kept themselves within striking distance deep into the second half.

Reyne Returns 

Reyne Smith’s return to the starting lineup added another layer to Cairns’ guard rotation, even with his minutes managed in his first game back from a plantar fascia tear suffered in Round 7. 

Smith played 5:41, but still got on the board with a field goal and the sharpshooters presence gave the Taipans another ball-handler and spacer to work with in a rivalry win. 

‍The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans return home for their final game at the Cairns Convention Centre, taking on Melbourne United on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30pm. Grab your tickets HERE