The Blitz: Current Standings

By Dan Woods - NBL Media

With each team now having played once in Darwin, the NBL Blitz ladder is starting to take shape.

The points system for the Blitz differs to that of the regular season, with each side earning one point per quarter won, as well as an additional three points for a win.

Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide all currently lead the way having registered strong wins over their respective oppositions in game one.

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The Wildcats defeated the Taipans behind a stellar 36-point performance from Bryce Cotton. Their 18-point win sees them lead the standings, leaving Cairns sitting bottom of the ladder.

Brisbane defeated New Zealand in Aron Baynes’ first ever appearance in NBL colours. Baynes was impressive in his 13 minutes, while import guard Tyler Johnson stole the show with his 14 points.

The 36ers defeated the Phoenix in the opening game of the Blitz. They only lost the final quarter of the game by two points, so they could very easily be leading the standings.

Tasmania’s big win sees them sit fourth. They restricted the reigning champions to just 53 points for the game in a trademark defensive performance.

The Hawks also sit half a point behind the leading trio, having registered an exciting win over Melbourne United. Sam Froling, Justin Robinson and Tyler Harvey showed massive potential to stamp their authority as a new big three in their first outing together.

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The United side that fell to the Hawks was significantly undermanned. Both Chris Goulding and Shea Ili failed late fitness tests ahead of the game. Rayjon Tucker impressed with 20 points, but flew solo for much of the contest.

Sydney’s Kouat Noi was the pick of the bunch for the Kings on a tough night for the side. He was just one point off a double-double as he racked up nine points and 10 boards from the bench.

Kyle Adnam was a monster offensive threat for a Phoenix side missing import Trey Kell. He started the game and finished with a game-high 19 points in their loss.

The Breakers’ history of signing exciting Next Stars looks to have continued with Rayan Rupert showing out on both ends of the floor despite the loss. He had 12 points and three steals in what was a promising first appearance in New Zealand colours.

Although they sit bottom of the standings so far, Cairns’ new look side certainly didn’t disappoint in game one. A red-hot Bryce Cotton is all that’s relegated them to bottom of the early ladder.

The Taipans’ offensive output was strong, and four of their five starters finished with double digit points totals.

Cairns' Keanu Pinder takes the ball to the hoop.

Reigning Most Improved Player Keanu Pinder and Rookie of the Year Bul Kuol look primed to once again take their games to the next level. They finished with 21 points and five rebounds, and 14 points and six rebounds respectively.