Wieskamp Masterclass Leads Phoenix to Victory

The Phoenix posted the highest score of this edition of the NBL Blitz, and the game was just that as the two sides traded offensive blows from the tip-off to the buzzer in a 40-minute blitz.

Six players posted double-digit scores, co-captain Nathan Sobey (20 points, three assists) and Derrick Walton Jr (13 points, seven assists) running the floor with aplomb in the heat of the Gold Coast.

Remarkably, 67 points were scored in the opening term between the two sides, with Wieskamp (24 points, seven rebounds) and Owen Foxwell (12 points, one rebound) the main culprits for South East Melbourne, the Phoenix living up to their tag as the biggest offensive threat this season as the scoring rapidly ticked.

It was rare that either side used up the shot clock, pushing the pace and keeping it frantic throughout shocking even the seasoned commentators who expected a sharp decline in speed that simply never came.

The long-range shot was on full display, 74 attempts from beyond the arc a key indicator of how each of the Kings and Phoenix will look to score in the NBL25 season.

Wieskamp, a former-NBA forward, has been earmarked as one of the sharpest shooters in the league and his 5-6 from deep did his reputation no harm.

Wiesy going 3️⃣ mad! 👌🔥

Currently 5/6 from deep and still 7️⃣ minutes to go 👀

💻 Watch live on Kayo Sports pic.twitter.com/O3kxZD9v4G

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) September 11, 2024

Not to discount the Phoenix’s defensive display, they leaked 68 first half points only to restrict the opposition to just 33 points in the final half in a strong showing in their penultimate hit out before the regular season begins.

The Kings led by as much as 14 points but the experience and connectedness of the Phoenix rose when it counted, Walton Jr, Matt Hurt (18 points, two steals) and Malique Lewis (eight points, one steal) all impenetrable down the stretch.

The Phoenix also doubled Sydney’s interior scoring, 44-22, with Mike Kelly’s team able to get downhill quickly and finish strongly in another positive sign.

South East Melbourne take on the Adelaide 36ers on Friday Night to round out the Blitz, ahead of their opening game next Friday against the Perth Wildcats during HoopsFest.

FULL TIME STATS

Wieskamp: 24PTS | 7REBS | 1AST
Sobey: 20PTS | 4REBS | 3ASTS 
Hurt: 18PTS | 4REBS | 4ASTS | 2STLS
Walton Jr: 13PTS | 3REBS | 7ASTS | 3STLS 
Foxwell: 12PTS | 1REBS 
Glover: 10PTS | 2REBS | 2ASTS
Lewis: 8PTS | 7REBS | 1AST | 1BLK
Hunter: 4PTS | 5REBS | 1BLK
Vodanovich: 2PTS | 1REB | 1AST
Kenyon: 2PTS | 2REBS