Purchase Tickets Here<\/a><\/p>\nLast Time Out<\/p>\n
The Giants were beaten 95-85 by the SBS Bank Southland Sharks.<\/p>\n
Nelson started strongly, with Kruz Perrott-Hunt\u2019s shot-making and Liam Judd\u2019s attacking play helping the Giants to a 25-21 lead at quarter time. The Sharks worked their way back into the contest and eventually built the margin out, but Nelson continued to respond through Samuel Dempster and Shane Gatling.<\/p>\n
Southland sealed the result through Rylan Jones\u2019 control and the all-round impact of Sam Timmins, while Brayden Inger delivered a standout scoring night. The Giants kept fighting throughout the second half, but Southland had enough answers to close out the road win.<\/p>\n
NBS Nelson Giants 85: Tohi Smith-Milner (17p, 7r, 3a), Shane Gatling (16p, 2a), Kruz Perrott-Hunt (15p, 8r, 5a)
\nSBS Bank Southland Sharks 95: Brayden Inger (25p, 7r, 1a), Sam Timmins (17p, 6r, 4a), Keylan Boone (15p, 11r)<\/p>\n
The Jets were beaten 96-92 by The Northern Group Tauranga Whai in Palmerston North.<\/p>\n
The Whai would eventually fend off a determined Manawat\u016b comeback in a fast-paced contest. The Jets attacked the basket early through Tai Webster, Kaden Sand and Jamal Poplar Jr, but Tauranga built momentum and took a 28-20 lead into the first break.<\/p>\n
The Whai maintained their advantage through the second quarter, helped by outside shooting and strong moments from Jordan Ngatai and Taine Murray. But the Jets came out firing in the third. Poplar Jr opened the half from deep, Webster attacked the rim, and Isiah Small added another strong interior presence as Manawat\u016b cut the gap to just two heading into the fourth.<\/p>\n
The final quarter stayed tight, but Ngatai delivered from deep late and the Whai finished the job with key threes and free throws.<\/p>\n
Property Brokers Manawat\u016b Jets 92: Tai Webster (37p, 1r, 4a), Isiah Small (23p, 9r, 4a), Kaden Sand (9p)
\nThe Northern Group Tauranga Whai 96: Jordan Ngatai (25p, 8r, 2a), Taine Murray (17p, 3r, 3a), Xanda Marsters (17p, 2r)<\/p>\n
What to Expect
\nProjected Starters<\/p>\n
NBS Nelson Giants
\nG: Alex McNaught
\nG: Kruz Perrott-Hunt
\nG: Liam Judd
\nF: Eemi Luukkonen
\nC: Tohi Smith-Milner<\/p>\n
Property Brokers Manawat\u016b Jets
\nG: Corey Webster
\nG: Tai Webster
\nG: Kaden Sand
\nF: Jamal Poplar Jr
\nC: Isiah Small<\/p>\n
The Giants are one of the better three-point defensive teams in the league, but they have struggled to turn that into enough wins because the offence has not consistently matched the defence. Nelson hasn’t been able produce enough points, in large part to a lack of efficiency from the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That puts pressure on Perrott-Hunt, Gatling, Judd and McNaught to generate clean looks. Perrott-Hunt remains the central piece, averaging 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Gatling gives Nelson another scorer who can create his own shot in the half-court. Smith-Milner\u2019s passing and rebounding willl be key, especially against a Jets frontcourt that has been strong on the glass.<\/p>\n
it wouldn’t be hard to argue that Manawat\u016b\u2019s offence has more firepower. The Jets have proven potent, with Tai Webster, Poplar Jr, Sand, Corey Webster and Small all capable of putting pressure on the scoreboard. Tai Webster is coming off a gunslinger of a performance, while Poplar Jr and Sand have been productive all season long. Off the bench Lukah Richards will be impactful upfront while Kazlo Evans Jr can lift the pace on both ends.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The issue for the Jets has been its defence. They are giving up over 100 points per game, a league worst, and opponents are finding space on the perimeter as they drain 12.2 threes per game against them. Nelson has not been a high-efficiency scoring team, but if Manawat\u016b gives the Giants clean rhythm looks at home, the scoreboard can shift quickly.<\/p>\n
Pace will be a determining factor. The Jets will want to push, attack early and create offence before Nelson\u2019s defence is set. The Giants will want to keep the game organised, make the Jets guard deeper into the shot clock and force Manawat\u016b to execute in the half court.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Matchup to Watch: Kruz Perrott-Hunt and Shane Gatling v Tai Webster and Corey Webster<\/p>\n
Perrott-Hunt and Gatling give Nelson its clearest path to enough offence. Perrott-Hunt has carried a heavy load all season, averaging 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Gatling has added another scorer who can get to his spots and create late in the clock. Against Southland, both had moments, but Nelson will need more sustained scoring if it is going to hold off the Jets.<\/p>\n
Tai and Corey Webster give Manawat\u016b a huge scoring floor. Tai is coming off a 37-point performance against Tauranga and has quickly become a central figure in the Jets offence. Corey gives Manawat\u016b more shot-making and experience in every aspect of an offensive attack, and his presence means defences cannot focus solely on Poplar Jr and Sand.<\/p>\n
Nelson will need to make the Websters work for every touch. If Tai gets downhill and Corey gets clean looks, the Jets can build runs quickly. The Jets will need to keep Perrott-Hunt and Gatling from controlling tempo at home while still forcing them off the three point line.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If Nelson wins this battle, the Giants can dictate terms. If the Websters find shot quality, Manawat\u016b\u2019s offence will be difficult to slow down.<\/p>\n
Matchup to Watch: Tohi Smith-Milner and Eemi Luukkonen v Isiah Small and Jamal Poplar Jr<\/p>\n
Smith-Milner gives Nelson perimeter gravity, rebounding and passing from the centre spot. The offence hasn’t been as consistent as you would expect, with averages of 10.9 points and 8.0 rebounds, but his ability to connect the offence from inside and out helps open space for the Giants\u2019 guards. Luukkonen adds efficient finishing and strong body on the glass, which Nelson will need against a the potent Jets frontcourt.<\/p>\n
Small has given Manawat\u016b an interior lift, averaging 15.5 points and 10.0 rebounds. He was excellent against last time out, finishing with 23 points and 9 rebounds, and his activity around the rim gives the Jets a reliable inside presence.<\/p>\n
Poplar Jr is a different kind of problem. He is averaging 22.5 points and 9.8 rebounds, and his combination of strength, scoring and rebounding makes him one of the hardest matchups in the league. Even when the Jets are not getting stops, Poplar Jr can keep them attached with second chances and tough scoring.<\/p>\n
For Nelson, Smith-Milner and Luukkonen need to compete on the glass and make Manawat\u016b\u2019s bigs defend. For the Jets, Small and Poplar Jr need to keep applying pressure inside and on the boards.<\/p>\n
If Nelson holds this matchup close, the Giants give their shooters and creators a chance. If Small and Poplar Jr control the paint, Manawat\u016b\u2019s offence gets a powerful platform to work from.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Individual Leaders
\n
\n
\n
\nCategory
\nNBS Nelson Giants
\nProperty Brokers Manawat\u016b Jets
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nLeading scorer
\n\u00a0Perrott-Hunt 20.3 \/ Gatling 20.0
\nT. Webster 24.0 \/ Poplar Jr 22.5
\n
\n
\nLeading rebounder
\nTohi Smith-Milner 8.0
\nSmall 10.0 \/ Poplar Jr 9.8
\n
\n
\nLeading assists
\nAlex McNaught 4.9
\nTai Webster 6.0
\n
\n
\nBest FG%
\nEemi Luukkonen 52%
\nIsiah Small 58%
\n
\n
\nBest 3PT FG%
\nSamuel Dempster 39%
\nKaden Sand 50%
\n
\n
\nBlocks
\nTohi Smith-Milner 0.9
\nRichards 1.4 \/ Small 1.2
\n
\n
\nSteals
\nAlex McNaught 1.4
\nKaden Sand 1.5
\n
\n
\nMinutes
\nKruz Perrott-Hunt 32.9
\nKaden Sand 33.6
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Stats that Matter
\n
\n
\n
\nStat
\nNBS Nelson Giants
\nProperty Brokers Manawat\u016b Jets
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nPoints Per Game
\n83.8 ppg (10th)
\n92.2 ppg (6th)
\n
\n
\nPoints Allowed Per Game
\n90.5 ppg (7th)
\n100.5 ppg (11th)
\n
\n
\nScoring Margin
\n-6.7 (9th)
\n-8.4 (10th)
\n
\n
\nField Goal %
\n41% (11th)
\n47% (5th)
\n
\n
\nField Goal % Defence
\n45% (4th)
\n48% (8th)
\n
\n
\nFree Throw %
\n75% (2nd)
\n72% (5th)
\n
\n
\n3-Point %
\n31% (9th)
\n35% (3rd)
\n
\n
\n3-Point % Defence
\n30% (1st)
\n36% (11th)
\n
\n
\n3-Point FG Made
\n10.3 (4th)
\n7.8 (10th)
\n
\n
\nRebounds Per Game
\n42.1 (5th)
\n40.4 (8th)
\n
\n
\nRebounding Margin
\n-2.0 (8th)
\n-0.4 (5th)
\n
\n
\nOffensive Rebounds Per Game
\n8.8 (9th)
\n10.5 (4th)
\n
\n
\nDefensive Rebounds Per Game
\n28.3 (4th)
\n26.5 (7th)
\n
\n
\nOffensive Rebound %
\n23% (9th)
\n29% (4th)
\n
\n
\nDefensive Rebound %
\n73% (6th)
\n72% (7th)
\n
\n
\nAssists Per Game
\n17.6 (10th)
\n18.5 (8th)
\n
\n
\nSteals Per Game
\n6.5 (9th)
\n6.1 (10th)
\n
\n
\nBlocks Per Game
\n2.2 (10th)
\n4.3 (2nd)
\n
\n
\nTurnover Margin
\n-1.3 (9th)
\n-1.2 (8th)
\n
\n
\nAssist\/Turnover Ratio
\n1.41 (9th)
\n1.37 (10th)
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The Last Word<\/p>\n
This is a game both sides will feel they can win, and both teams need to win to gain needed headway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nelson has the stronger defensive profile and the home floor, but the Giants need to find more offensive consistency. Perrott-Hunt and Gatling give them some punch, Judd can stretch the floor, McNaught can organise, and Smith-Milner gives them a steady frontcourt presence.<\/p>\n
Manawat\u016b has the more explosive offence, especially with Tai Webster now in the mix alongside Corey Webster, Sand, Poplar Jr and Small. The Jets can score quickly and in different ways, but their defence has left them chasing games far too often.<\/p>\n
The Giants need to turn defence into control of the game. The Jets need to turn offence into separation that lasts.<\/p>\n
If Nelson defends the three-point line, keeps the game in the half court and gets enough scoring from its main creators, Trafalgar Centre could be the difference. If Manawat\u016b gets pace, paint touches and another big night from its stars, the Jets have the firepower to grab a road win.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Posted on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 Game Preview: Giants v Jets Here\u2019s the Giants v Jets preview. The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":741531,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[574],"tags":[64,63,726,85],"class_list":["post-741530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-basketball","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-basketball","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/741530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=741530"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/741530\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/741531"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=741530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=741530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=741530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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