Phoenix Show Fight in Game 1 at the Blitz

With no Mitch Creek, Alan Williams, Matt Kenyon or Gorjok Gak, Mike Kelly trialed different looks on the court.

In his first NBL outing, Tyler Cook found his feet mid-way through the game, showing he is the right injury replacement for Williams.

He battled it out with Tasmania’s new import Marcus Lee and ultimately came out on top, with Lee fouling out early in the third.

Cook had a monster game, with his dunking ability and aggression around the rim on full display. He earned his first NBL double-double with a game-high 18 points and 11 rebounds. 

Will Cummings, now three games in, has fit in seamlessly into the NBL and Phoenix. He was unstoppable in the first quarter with 15 points and 6-6 from the field, but for the reminder was quieter, ending the night on 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Returning from the FIBA World Cup and in his first game for the lead up to NBL24, Reuben Te Rangi shot out of the blocks hitting important three-pointers throughout the game. He finished with 4/5 from deep and 17 points. 

Despite an early Phoenix lead of three points at the first break, a near-full JackJumpers side ultimately overran the team, taking out the game 97-84.

Phoenix will hope to regain Creek for their 2nd Blitz game, when they take on Sydney Kings.

FT Stats

Cook: 18p/11r/4a/3blks

Cummings : 17p/5r/3a/1stl

Te Rangi: 17p/3r/2a/1blk

Moller: 8p/2r/1a/1stl/1blk

Ayre: 8p/2r/2a/1stl

Browne: 6p/3r/7a/1stl

Rissetto: 5p/1r/1a

Foxwell: 3p/1a

Vague: 2p/2r/1a

Stattmann: 2r/1a/1blk

All NBL Blitz games are live and free on Kayo Freebies.

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