Purchase Tickets Here<\/a><\/p>\nIn the First Meeting<\/p>\n
The Jadcup Auckland Tuatara defeated the NBS Nelson Giants 99-97 in Auckland on 10 May.<\/p>\n
The Auckland crowd was treated to a Mother\u2019s Day thriller as the Giants arrived looking to bounce back and immediately showed they were ready to challenge the league leaders. Samuel Dempster caught fire early, knocking down back-to-back-to-back threes as Nelson came out swinging.<\/p>\n
The Tuatara responded in the second quarter, piling on 31 points to close the gap and turn the game into a possession-by-possession contest. Foul trouble for Nelson helped Auckland work its way back into the game, and by the end of the third quarter the teams were locked together.<\/p>\n
The fourth quarter delivered everything the big home crowd hoped it would. Auckland appeared to have created the decisive break when it pushed the lead to 10 with 1:34 remaining, but the Giants refused to go away. Liam Judd hit a big three, then grabbed a steal and converted at the line. McNaught attacked the rim and later buried a huge three to cut the margin to one with 39 seconds remaining.<\/p>\n
Dylan Wilkie answered with a huge triple for Auckland, while Tom Vodanovich and Josh Dilling converted enough at the Chemist Warehouse stripe to keep the Tuatara in front. Dempster hit another massive three late, but time would eventually run out and the Giants would wind up just short of a Mother’s Day miracle comeback.<\/p>\n
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara 99: Josh Dilling (26p, 7r, 4a), Zach Riley (21p, 8r, 3a), Rob Loe (18p, 7r, 9a)
\nNBS Nelson Giants 97: Kruz Perrott-Hunt (26p, 3a), Samuel Dempster (22p, 5a, 2s, 6 3PM), Alex McNaught (16p, 6r, 11a, 3s)<\/p>\n
Last Time Out<\/p>\n
The Giants were beaten 111-109 in overtime by the Mills Albert Wellington Saints just 24 hours ago.<\/p>\n
Nelson was competitive from the jump despite a full day’s delay in travel that was disrupted by heavy weather in the region, which saw the team arrive to the city less than three hours before tip off. The teams would battle throughout first half as the Saints would eventually find their offensive touch to build a double-digit cushion. The Giants erased that deficit in the third quarter and kept the game level the rest of the way in a back and forth affair that would see the an on fire Shane Gatling unable to find a clean look with the last possession of regulation, sending the game to overtime.<\/p>\n
The Giants went down early in the extra period, but Judd came up big late and helped Nelson work its way back into position for a final chance to win the game. Fittingly, Gatling took the ball in hand for three to win the game, but it did not fall, leaving the Giants just short in a thrilling contest.<\/p>\n
Gatling continued his strong scoring run with a season high 33 points, while Tohi Smith-Milner added another strong all-round performance while Judd produced important late offence in the valiant effort.<\/p>\n
Mills Albert Wellington Saints 111: Donte Ingram (26p, 7a, 4r), Braylon Iuli (18p, 2r, 2s), Jordan Hunt (16p, 8r, 8a)
\nNBS Nelson Giants 109: Shane Gatling (33p, 4r, 5a), Tohi Smith-Milner (19p, 10r, 4a), Liam Judd (16p, 2r, 1a)<\/p>\n
The Tuatara defeated the Big Barrel Hawke\u2019s Bay Hawks 85-74.<\/p>\n
Auckland controlled much of the contest, building an early advantage behind strong shot-making and timely scoring from multiple contributors. The Tuatara led 17-14 at quarter time and maintained their edge throughout the middle stages, with key baskets from Sean Bairstow, Isaac Davidson and Vodanovich helping stretch the margin.<\/p>\n
Hawke\u2019s Bay continued to battle behind the scoring of Daniel Grida and Keanu Rasmussen, cutting the deficit to single digits on several occasions in the second half. Auckland responded each time, including a crucial fourth-quarter stretch highlighted by back-to-back threes from Bairstow and Davidson, helping the Tuatara close out the win.<\/p>\n
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara 85: Isaac Davidson (18p, 5r, 1a), Sean Bairstow (16p, 7r, 7a), Josh Dilling (15p, 3r, 1a)
\nBig Barrel Hawke\u2019s Bay Hawks 74: Daniel Grida (27p, 15r, 1a), Keanu Rasmussen (23p, 4r, 9a), Jeremy McLaughlin (19p, 6r)<\/p>\n
What to Expect
\nProjected Starters<\/p>\n
NBS Nelson Giants
\nG: Alex McNaught
\nG: Kruz Perrott-Hunt
\nG: Shane Gatling
\nF: Eemi Luukkonen
\nC: Tohi Smith-Milner<\/p>\n
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara
\nG: Josh Dilling
\nG: Sean Bairstow
\nF: Isaac Davidson
\nF: Thomas Vodanovich
\nC: Rob Loe<\/p>\n
Auckland\u2019s starting group looks different without Chris Johnson, but it still has size, shooting and scoring from all over the court.<\/p>\n
Loe anchors the frontcourt and gives Auckland one of the league\u2019s best passing bigs. Vodanovich stays in the starting lineup with his blend of physicality and perimeter skill. Davidson, Riley and Bairstow give the Tuatara size on the perimeter, while Dilling continues to control the keep the offence running while keeping the ability to score in bursts.<\/p>\n
The absence of Johnson impacts the ceiling of the vistiors. His size, rebounding and rim protection have been important parts of Auckland\u2019s frontcourt balance, especially defensively. Without him, the Tuatara may need more from the young bench core of Kingston Kailahi-Aso, Josh Leger and KC Ioane, while Riley and Dylan Wilkie provide major scoring and playmaking support from the bench.<\/p>\n
For Nelson, a huge question mark remains around the ankle of Kruz Perrott-Hunt and now the lower leg of Sam Dempster. If they are available and close to full strength, the Giants have much needed weapons on the perimeter and on the glass. If he is limited, the pressure increases on Gatling, McNaught, Judd, Smith-Milner and newly arrived Saylor to carry more of the load.<\/p>\n
Gatling has supercharged the Giants\u2019 offence since arriving. He is averaging 23.8 points per game and gives Nelson a late-clock creator who can generate shots on his own or through offence. McNaught has been taking care of the rock while staying aggressive, while Smith-Milner, Saylor and Luukkonen give Nelson size, rebounding and passing in the frontcourt.<\/p>\n
This one still favours the Tuatara, who are fourth in scoring, first in scoring defence, second in scoring margin, second in field goal percentage, second in field goal percentage defence, first in three-point defence and second in assist-to-turnover ratio.<\/p>\n
The home team can find a path to victory. The Giants need to shoot with efficiency, protect the ball, keep Auckland off the defensive glass, and they must turn their three-point volume into makes at a consistent rate. They also need to make the Tuatara play from behind, because Auckland is at its best when its defence and rebounding allow it to control tempo.<\/p>\n
Matchup to Watch: Shane Gatling v Josh Dilling<\/p>\n
Gatling has given Nelson a different level of shot creation. He is averaging 23.8 points per game through his first six appearances, and he is coming off a 33-point performance against Wellington. His ability to score off the dribble, get to the line and hit tough shots gives Nelson a player who can break down good defence and while torching bad ones.<\/p>\n
Dilling\u2019s activity comes from lower volume but is just as vital to his own teams attack. His playmaking is pivotal to the offence rolling and his facilitates while taking care of the ball is just as important. He also scored 26 points in the first meeting against Nelson, including crucial late free throws to help Auckland hold on to the lead.<\/p>\n
If Gatling dominates the scoring duel from early on and forces Auckland to send extra help, Nelson\u2019s shooters and cutters can come into the game and the ceiling on the offence lifts. If Dilling controls the tempo and keeps the Tuatara offence connected, Auckland can keep the Giants chasing from the opening tip.<\/p>\n
Matchup to Watch: Rob Loe and Tom Vodanovich v Tohi Smith-Milner and Eemi Luukkonen<\/p>\n
Loe remains one of the league\u2019s most skilled bigs. He averages 8.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists, and his passing from the post and top of the floor gives Auckland a different dimension. Vodanovich adds physicality, spacing and experience, and his ability to punish mismatches makes him a dangerous frontcourt option.<\/p>\n
Smith-Milner gives Nelson its own experienced big who can score, rebound and pass. He is averaging 12.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists, and he is coming off a key double-double against the Saints. Luukkonen adds efficiency and size, averaging 9.8 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the field while Saylor showed good presence on the glass and a solid post game when given the opportunity for the post catch.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Without Johnson, Auckland loses some interior weight and rim protection. That gives Smith-Milner and Luukkonen a clear area to attack. But if Loe and Vodanovich control the glass and pull Nelson\u2019s bigs into decision-making actions, the Tuatara can still win the frontcourt battle.<\/p>\n
Matchup to Watch: Alex McNaught v Auckland\u2019s Defensive Pressure<\/p>\n
McNaught\u2019s decision-making will be key, and if Perrott-Hunt is limited it becomes crucial.<\/p>\n
He is averaging 9.1 points, 5.1 assists and has a strong 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio. He had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 3 steals in the first meeting with Auckland, and his late playmaking nearly helped Nelson complete a major comeback.<\/p>\n
The Tuatara are not a high-steal team, but they are disciplined, long and excellent at forcing opponents into tough shots. Auckland leads the league in scoring defence and three-point defence, and its rebounding allows it to finish possessions.<\/p>\n
McNaught\u2019s job is to keep Nelson organised, find Gatling and Perrott-Hunt in rhythm, and get Smith-Milner touches where he can be a passer as well as a scorer. If he keeps the turnovers down, Nelson has a chance to test Auckland again.<\/p>\n
Individual Leaders
\n
\n
\n
\nCategory
\nNBS Nelson Giants
\nJadcup Auckland Tuatara
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nLeading scorer
\nShane Gatling 23.8 \/ Kruz Perrott-Hunt 20.2
\nZach Riley 16.2 \/ Josh Dilling 15.8
\n
\n
\nLeading rebounder
\nTohi Smith-Milner 8.5 \/ Samuel Dempster 6.6
\nRob Loe 8.6 \/ Chris Johnson 7.2
\n
\n
\nLeading assists
\nAlex McNaught 5.1 \/ Kruz Perrott-Hunt 4.1
\nJosh Dilling 5.4 \/ Rob Loe 4.9
\n
\n
\nBest FG%
\nEemi Luukkonen 51% \/ Dan Saylor 50%
\n\u00a0Chris Johnson 57% \/ Rob Loe 54%\u00a0
\n
\n
\nBest 3PT FG%
\nSamuel Dempster 38% \/ Shane Gatling 36%
\nDylan Wilkie 51%\u00a0
\n
\n
\nBlocks
\nTohi Smith-Milner 0.9 \/ Liam Judd 0.3
\nRob Loe 0.4 \/ Josh Leger 0.2
\n
\n
\nSteals
\nAlex McNaught 1.4 \/ Kruz Perrott-Hunt 1.3
\nZach Riley 1.1 \/ Isaac Davidson 1.0
\n
\n
\nMinutes
\nKruz Perrott-Hunt 32.7 \/ Alex McNaught 32.3
\nJosh Dilling 33.6 \/ Isaac Davidson 30.5
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Stats that Matter
\n
\n
\n
\nStat
\nNBS Nelson Giants
\nJadcup Auckland Tuatara
\n
\n
\n
\n
\nPoints Per Game
\n86.2 ppg (9th)
\n96.1 ppg (4th)
\n
\n
\nPoints Allowed Per Game
\n91.1 ppg (8th)
\n84.2 ppg (1st)
\n
\n
\nScoring Margin
\n-4.9 (6th)
\n+11.9 (2nd)
\n
\n
\nField Goal %
\n42% (11th)
\n49% (2nd)
\n
\n
\nField Goal % Defence
\n45% (3rd)
\n42% (2nd)
\n
\n
\nFree Throw %
\n74% (1st)
\n72% (6th)
\n
\n
\n3-Point %
\n31% (8th)
\n36% (2nd)
\n
\n
\n3-Point % Defence
\n31% (4th)
\n29% (1st)
\n
\n
\n3-Point FG Made
\n10.9 (2nd)
\n10.4 (4th)
\n
\n
\nRebounds Per Game
\n42.9 (4th)
\n44.3 (2nd)
\n
\n
\nRebounding Margin
\n-1.1 (6th)
\n+4.9 (3rd)
\n
\n
\nOffensive Rebounds Per Game
\n9.6 (9th)
\n9.8 (7th)
\n
\n
\nDefensive Rebounds Per Game
\n28.5 (4th)
\n30.9 (1st)
\n
\n
\nOffensive Rebound %
\n25% (9th)
\n27% (6th)
\n
\n
\nDefensive Rebound %
\n72% (6th)
\n77% (1st)
\n
\n
\nAssists Per Game
\n18.4 (10th)
\n23.4 (2nd)
\n
\n
\nSteals Per Game
\n6.4 (9th)
\n5.8 (11th)
\n
\n
\nBlocks Per Game
\n2.1 (9th)
\n3.0 (5th)
\n
\n
\nTurnover Margin
\n-1.2 (8th)
\n-2.2 (11th)
\n
\n
\nAssist\/Turnover Ratio
\n1.47 (8th)
\n1.95 (2nd)
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Last Word<\/p>\n
The first meeting showed Nelson can put Auckland under pressure.<\/p>\n
The Giants hit shots, moved the ball and nearly erased a double-digit deficit in the final minute. They will need that same level of belief again, but they also need cleaner execution across the full 40 minutes. If Perrott-Hunt is available, Nelson has the top-end scoring to challenge Auckland\u2019s defence. If he is limited, the burden shifts heavily to Gatling, McNaught, Judd and Smith-Milner.<\/p>\n
Can the Tuatara keep their win streak rolling to stay top of the ladder? Johnson\u2019s absence removes an important frontcourt piece, but Auckland still has Loe, Vodanovich, Bairstow, Davidson, Dilling, Riley and oodles of young guns coming off the bench. That is enough talent and experience to win anywhere, especially if the Tuatara control the glass and keep Nelson\u2019s three-point volume from becoming a real advantage.<\/p>\n
The Giants need to make this a shooting and pace game. Auckland will want to make it about defence, rebounding and half-court execution.<\/p>\n
If Nelson can hit threes early and get another big night from Gatling, the Giants can make this a contest. If Auckland\u2019s defence dominates a fatigued home team and the Tuatara win the rebounding battle, the league leaders have a clear path to another important win.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Posted on Sunday, June 28th, 2026 Game Preview: Giants vs Tuatara The NBS Nelson Giants return to Trafalgar…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":764744,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[574],"tags":[64,63,726,85],"class_list":["post-764743","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\/764743","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=764743"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/764743\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/764744"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=764743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=764743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=764743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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