Sixers’ fast start proves costly for Taipans

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans fought back from a difficult opening quarter but were unable to overcome an early Adelaide surge, falling 83-69 to the 36ers at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Jack McVeigh led the way for Cairns with a season-high 21 points, while Malique Lewis produced his best performance in Taipans orange with nine points, four assists and a career-high seven blocks.

The Taipans briefly held an 8-7 advantage early before Adelaide took control with a decisive 14-0 run, helping the hosts build a 32-17 quarter-time lead.

Cairns refused to go away despite the margin reaching 20 points during the first half, gradually working its way back into the contest and cutting the deficit to 11 late in the third quarter.

Bryce Cotton finished with a game-high 25 points for Adelaide, while Nick Rakocevic added 21.

McVEIGH LEADS FROM THE FRONT

Back in the city where his NBL journey began, McVeigh set the tone for Cairns with his effort at both ends of the floor.

The swingman was the Taipans’ most consistent offensive threat throughout the opening half and continued to attack as Cairns worked to stay within striking distance.

McVeigh finished with 21 points from 21 field-goal attempts, while also taking on the difficult defensive assignment of Adelaide import Zylan Cheatham.

Cheatham was held to nine points, with McVeigh’s defensive effort another encouraging sign as he continues to embrace a leadership role within the group.

LEWIS MAKES HIS PRESENCE FELT

Lewis provided one of the biggest positives of the afternoon, showcasing his defensive versatility with a career-high seven blocks.

The import used his length and athleticism to challenge Adelaide around the basket and also spent time matched up against Cotton, forcing the six-time NBL MVP into difficult looks despite his game-high 25 points.

Lewis also continued to show signs of growth offensively, finishing with nine points and four rebounds.

Still developing his game at both ends of the floor, Sunday’s performance was another promising step as he establishes himself as an important part of the Taipans rotation.

OPENING-QUARTER RUN MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Cairns started positively, with early baskets from McVeigh, Jaylon Brown and Keanu Pinder helping the Taipans take an 8-7 lead.

The momentum quickly swung Adelaide’s way.

The 36ers responded with 14 unanswered points as Rakocevic established himself inside, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the opening quarter, before John Jenkins began finding his range from outside.

A breakaway Lewis dunk finally stopped the run, but Adelaide had established a 32-17 advantage by quarter-time.

The Taipans showed plenty of fight from there and chipped away at the deficit, but the damage from the opening period ultimately proved too much to overcome.

BRUCE, PINDER CELEBRATE MILESTONES

Returning Taipans Shaun Bruce and Keanu Pinder marked significant milestones in orange on Sunday, playing their 100th and 50th games for the club respectively.

Bruce began his NBL journey as a Cairns Development Player in 2012/13 and returned to Far North Queensland this season after building an accomplished career around the league. The three-time championship winner finished with four points and four assists against Adelaide.

Pinder, meanwhile, reached 50 appearances for the Taipans after producing some of the best basketball of his career during his previous stint in Cairns.

The back-to-back NBL Most Improved Player recovered from a difficult start on Sunday to finish with eight points and seven rebounds.

WHAT’S NEXT

Sunday’s 14-point loss is part of a three-game road stretch for Cairns, with the Taipans now travelling across the Tasman to battle New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena on Wednesday night, tip-off at 5.30pm.

‍ADELAIDE 36ERS 83 (Cotton 25, Rakocevic 21, Jenkins 10) def CAIRNS TAIPANS 69 (J McVeigh 21, Bolden 11, Lewis 9) at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide.

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