Hoops

Bullets vs Breakers 22/10

Webster produced the goods for the tall blacks in the Olympic qualification tournament but I agree, in a Breakers jersey he hasn't been the same player.

I meant Penney and Webster were the two not producing, but Abercrombie is the other main guy obviously, but 1 out of 3 isn't enough.

Their second half was strong against both Perth and Bris, but it's been a more controlled comeback on both occasions. They haven't shown the ability to score quickly in bunches- that's where those two guys come in.

At 14ppg at almost 60% from 3p I'd say Abercrombie is delivering what's expected. But Webster has never regained his mojo since his form slump last season and Penney's offence is being hampered by the way teams are going after him at the other end.

As with most teams though, NZ's issues are cohesion based, individuals perform much better at both ends in a cohesive team.

I think the Breakers will take a fair bit from the second half last night. They defended with real energy and strangely enough their offence flowed from that.

Time will tell but they may help them find an identity that's been largely missing so far this season with all the new players (and coach) coming in.

Breakers come out strong for the first few minutes, drain some shots and then fall off a cliff defensively and dig themselves a hole.
I would start Mitchell over Vukona and Webster over Penney and play Delany some more.

It looks like Abercrombie only lights up against MU at Hisense

Akil Mitchell was fantastic tonight, so that's something to make Henare smile. But bottom line, if Penney and Webster need to start making a bigger impact soon, before the season gets away from them. Those are the two guys- along with Abercrombie- that Henare would expect to be game winners at the offensive end and its just not happening.

If Brisbane had one more guard who could get to the hoop and dish, they'd be such a good team. Gibsons just not quite enough for them at PG at this stage.

There's things to like though. Craig is the X factor and he was very good tonight. Although a lot of it was taking using his physical advantage over Penney. Abercrombie was doing well vs Beal while Craig walked over Penney at points.

Bairstow will be a handful in a few weeks.

Liking Mitchells second half here.

Craig just travelled...refs dont call that...of course not...they cant risk losing there Bullets bets

Reffing atrocious. Home cooking.

Strong D from the Breakers in the 3rd. Kickert being off has helped them, cos neither Beal or Craig is hot right now. Kicks was keeping the score ticking over

Damm I missed the bet for Breakers not long ago @ $7. :(

Shame about NBL TV dropping the ball again.

I never really understood the Penney signing in terms of fit unless Webster was going to play at the PG spot like NBA teams advised him to do. I don't know what they're doing and they don't look very good doing it either.

Penney shouldn't really play the 3 either- guys like Prather, Newley and Craig have been posting him up and he's no match there. Problem is, other than Abercrombie who can play the 3 for them?

Webster is also playing some time here and there at the 1. So they've got their two superstar players spending at least some time in the wrong position- not a recipe for success. Meanwhile Woodside s been decent but Loe and Mitchell just not quite what they would've hoped I reckon. Not quite enough inside scoring punch.

I know it's early days , but we've seen a few games in both , what's everyones first Impressions of the NBL !

Any surprises ? Any noticeable teams/ players ?