The 4 Point Play: Injury bug hits hard
Round 2 of the 2017-18 NBL season had 5 games over 4 days with some surprising results popping up and unfortunately some major injuries potentially derailing clubs' plans for the season.
Here are my four key points from Round 2.
1 | Injuries hit, and hit hard
The injury bug has struck and it may or may not be fortunate because we are so early into the season. We already saw Cairns lose big man Nate Jawai for a large chunk of the season in Round 1, and this weekend saw Sydney lose their leader Kevin Lisch for an extended period of time with a torn calf. Add to that new 36ers import Alan Wiggins going down with a broken arm in his debut match vs Melbourne, and it is safe to say the injury bug has already had an affect on the NBL. Fortunately for Melbourne it looks like star import Casey Prather avoided a serious injury and should suit up in Round 3. We should hear soon to see what, if any replacements, are on the way for Sydney and Adelaide respectfully.
2 | Melbourne United makes a statement
A few days after nearly toppling NBA super-team Oklahoma City Thunder, Melbourne United returned to NBL action by visiting Adelaide and completely dismantling the 36ers, winning 99 - 79. United was lead by guard Kyle Adnam in this one as the young guard had the game of his career, dropping 23 points on 8/12 shooting from the field including an unreal 6/8 from three-point land. Credit to Adelaide for cutting back a huge 1st quarter deficit to 6 at the break, but United responded extremely well and ran away with the win in the 4th, outscoring Adelaide 22 - 9 to win. Excellent signs for United fans in this performance
3 | Hawks still looking for their first win
Illawarra dropped both games of a double header this past week as they continue to look for their first win of the season. The lost by 10 to Perth on Friday night in Perth, always a tough place for the Hawks (or anyone for that matter) to get a win. What was troubling in this one is the fact that Illawarra only totaled 64 points for the entire game. Then the Hawks faced off with rivals Sydney on Sunday and went down 103 - 87. It's still early days but the Hawks have to be concerned with their defensive play to start the 2017-18 season.
4 | New Zealand buzzing about first win
Another week and another buzzer beater. This time it was New Zealand's turn as import DJ Newbill saw the Sydney seas parting as he drove straight to the cup to lay it in for the win. Through two rounds we've seen three games decided by 2 points or less. Is this a sign of what is to come throughout the course of the year?
Well those are my four key points from Round 2 of the NBL. What were your key points from the Round?