In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the Adelaide 36ers secured a 97-86 victory over the Brisbane Bullets at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, marking their 19th win of the season. This achievement breaks a 20-year club record, underscoring their dominance in the league. Meanwhile, the Perth Wildcats continued their impressive road performance with a hard-fought 99-91 win over the New Zealand Breakers, moving them closer to the top four.
Jacob Holt and Terry Taylor were standout performers for the Bullets, making a strong case for permanent roster spots in the team’s anticipated 2026 rebuild. Despite the loss, their efforts, alongside debutant Hunter Maldonado, showcased the team’s potential for a significant turnaround.
Brisbane’s Grit and Adelaide’s Record-Breaking Win
The Bullets held a surprising 45-38 lead at halftime, largely due to the defensive efforts of Mitch Norton and Sam McDaniel, who managed to keep Adelaide’s Bryce Cotton to just two points on 0-5 shooting in the first half. However, the 36ers, led by Flynn Cameron, Isaac Humphries, Bryce Cotton, and Zylan Cheatham, made crucial adjustments in the second half, outscoring Brisbane 30-20 in the third quarter and 29-21 in the fourth.
“For the first time since the 05/06 season, the 36ers have won 19 games and counting,” a club spokesperson noted, highlighting the team’s historic achievement.
Wildcats’ Road Resilience
The Perth Wildcats continued their impressive road campaign, improving their record to 9-4 with a victory over the Breakers. Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler were instrumental early on, but it was Jaron Rillie and Elijah Pepper who led the charge in the final quarter. Rillie, son of coach John Rillie, contributed crucial points and assists, securing the Wildcats’ 13th win of the season.
Despite strong performances from Breakers’ Sam Mennenga and Carlin Davison, the team could not overcome the Wildcats’ late-game surge, dropping to an 8-14 record and eighth position on the ladder.
Key Performances and Future Prospects
Mexican Next Star Karim Lopez provided a spark for the Breakers with back-to-back scoring plays, including a dramatic three-pointer and a dunk. His performance, alongside a significant block on Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., highlighted his potential as a top-10 NBA draft prospect.
“Lopez finished the game with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, showcasing his all-around capabilities,” an analyst remarked, emphasizing his promising future.
Implications and Looking Ahead
The 36ers’ record-breaking season positions them as formidable contenders in the league, with 10 games remaining to extend their winning streak. For the Wildcats, their victory solidifies their fifth-place standing and sets up a critical matchup against the second-placed South East Melbourne on January 10.
As the NBL season progresses, teams like the Brisbane Bullets will look to build on individual performances and focus on long-term development. Meanwhile, the Breakers will aim to regroup and capitalize on the potential of emerging stars like Karim Lopez.
Both Adelaide and Perth’s recent successes highlight the competitive nature of the league and set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as teams vie for playoff positions and strive to make their mark in NBL history.
