Cairns Taipans v New Zealand Breakers
Friday, December 19, 7.30pm AEDT
Cairns Convention Centre
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Talking points
Super Sam Slam
Two of the best local bigs in the competition, Sam Mennenga and Sam Waardenburg, will lock horns for their first battle this season.
With Waardenburg returning from injury last week, the Taipans will be hoping he can continue to improve his match fitness and get them some more wins.
Both Mennenga and Waardenburg are no stranger to competing against one another, both from a local New Zealand level and more recently in Puerto Rico in the off-season.
Baker’s found his groove
Breakers big man Rob Baker II has found his groove after a tough start to the season.
The American big man looks to be the X-factor on this New Zealand team and will be hoping to continue to light it up from beyond the arc.
Baker currently has hit two or more threes in seven straight games, where as his opponent Jack McVeigh has hit three or more in four games.
What they’re saying
Taipans coach Adam Forde on Jack McVeigh’s scoring exploits:
“[Jack] McVeigh is a bit of a cheat code … his ability when he’s on the floor to get us two points consistently.
“We want to make sure we do a better job of trying to capitalise on his abilities on the offensive end.
“The more reps Jack McVeigh and Sam Waardenburg get to play alongside each other, the better they will become.”
Breakers guard Izaiah Brockington on adjusting to the NBL:
“It’s definitely more physical overseas, and with defenders able to pack the paint, it makes some reads a little tighter. I like how we’ve finished our last couple of games that were close.
“It’s a sign we’re able to pull together and execute in late-game times and close out tough games.”
Missing in action
Cairns
Alex Higgins-Titsha – Wrist – Season
Mojave King – Glute strain – Test
Reyne Smith – Foot – Round 15
New Zealand
Izayah Le’Afa – Foot – Season
Max Darling – Eye – Round 17
Rob Loe – Personal reasons – Decemeber 22
