Starting 5: The key talking points from Round 3

A busy Round 3 of action, where the Adelaide 36ers continued their hot start to the season, led by Bryce Cotton’s brilliance.

Meanwhile Tasmania continued their strong road form, pulling off a comeback win in Brisbane.

Pete Hooley looks at some key talking points from the round just gone.

1 – A Starks spark

The JackJumpers announced Friday that TJ Starks would join the team to replace injured guard David Johnson, and just over 24 hours later he was on the floor helping them claw out a win. Starks saved his best work for when it mattered most, dropping 13 points in the fourth quarter and helping Tasmania win their third straight on the road.

He may only be a short-term replacement, but there are a few fans around the league that are hoping he’s around a whole lot longer than that.

2 – Too easy for Kendric

You just knew that Kendric Davis wanted to bounce back after the Kings’ shock loss in their season opener, where the dynamic guard struggled to be efficient from the floor. There were no problems for Davis against the Breakers, as he poured in 28 points and dished out four assists.

It wasn’t so much the final numbers that impressed me about the Kings leading playmaker, but rather how easily he made it look. When Davis is able to get his spots with minimum resistance from the defence, there’s no stopping him.

3 – Adelaide firing on all cylinders

The Adelaide 36ers went up to Cairns and dismantled the Taipans on their home floor, once again led by the five-time MVP Bryce Cotton. With so much of the focus on Cotton, it was DJ Vasiljevic, Flynn Cameron and Isaac Humphries who were able to have big nights themselves.

They’re only two games into the season, but you can already see how this roster could be successful as they continue to grow in their respective roles.

4 – Jaron's time

Don’t look now, but Jaron Rillie currently has a +46 in his first 20 minutes of playing time in the NBL. Not many expected to see the 24-year-old get an opportunity at all this season and now he’s arguably been one of the most composed players on this Wildcats roster.

The Wildcats have a lot of depth in the guard positions and it’s likely something that takes a few weeks for John Rillie to work out his best rotation.

5 – Kudos

For all those who were part of the historic NBLxNBA Series in Melbourne this past week… kudos to you. Not only was the on-court product terrific, but it was the way everyone who was involved bought into the moment and produced something truly special.

From the players to the fans, the love and joy was awesome. Let’s do it again.

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