The NBS Nelson Giants have claimed back-to-back victories in the Sal’s NBL, dispatching the Taranaki Airs 107–91 on Saturday afternoon at the Trafalgar Centre.
After opening the day with a commanding 59–34 Rapid League win, where multiple members of the squad contributed at least two baskets, the Giants built on last weekend’s superb victory with a dominant all-round display.
The Airs favoured a free-flowing, open style, a contrast to last week’s Wellington-based opponents. While it boosted their attacking output, it also exposed space through the middle of the floor, which Nelson was quick to exploit. Despite looking the stronger side early, the Giants led by just one at the end of the first quarter, 26–25.
The game turned in the second period, with Nelson tightening defensively and executing a far more efficient offensive game plan. A strong final five minutes saw the hosts head to the sheds with a deserved 15-point lead, 57–42.
The third quarter proved decisive. The Giants unleashed an avalanche of points, stretching the margin to as many as 37, before using the final period to rest starters and trial new backcourt combinations. The Airs showed steely resolve with a late fightback, but the damage had already been done.
New Zealand under-19 representative Cooper Adams saw his first minutes of the season and looked assured with the ball in hand. Coach Fitchett will also have been pleased with the contribution of rookie Elijah Inwood, who logged 13 meaningful minutes and scored 10 points, including a rare four-point play.
In his second game for the Giants, Eemi Luukkonen was far more active in the paint and was rewarded with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. The big Finn also showed a deft touch from long range, knocking down a pair of smooth triples. Liam Judd’s impressive early-season form continued, draining another six three-pointers on his way to a team-high 26 points.
The win also saw Nelson claim the Brian Rampton Memorial Trophy, contested whenever the Giants and Airs meet in NBL play. The trophy honours the late Brian Rampton, father of former Tall Blacks Tony and Damon Rampton, who both represented Nelson and Taranaki during their careers.
