Phoenix Smash Taipans to Open NBL26 With a Statement

South East Melbourne Phoenix made the loudest possible opening statement in NBL26, demolishing the Cairns Taipans 114–77 at the State Basketball Centre on Sunday.

Led by import debutant John Brown III, whose defensive dominance set the tone, the Phoenix overwhelmed a depleted Taipans outfit that never settled into rhythm. Brown’s stat line told part of the story: 14 points and six steals, showcasing the relentless energy that already has him earmarked as an early favourite for the Damian Martin Trophy as the league’s best defender.

It was in the first half that the contest was decided. South East Melbourne applied pressure across the floor, forcing Cairns into 12 turnovers before half-time and winning the opening quarters 23–15 and 36–20. By the main break, the Phoenix were up 24 points, and the game was effectively over.

The Phoenix had contributors everywhere. Angus Glover came off the bench to hit four triples on his way to a team-high 18 points. Fellow new recruit Hunter Maldonado impressed with 16 points and five assists, while Nathan Sobey played the role of organiser, finishing with 13 points and eight assists. Owen Foxwell (12 points), Gorjok Gak (11 points, six rebounds), and Jordan Hunter (10 points, eight rebounds) all hit double figures, underlining the depth on display. Seven Phoenix players reached double digits, a balance that will encourage coach Mike Kelly ahead of the season’s first Throwdown.

For Cairns, it was a night of damage control. First-gamer Reyne Smith was a lone bright spot, hitting 19 points, while marquee signing Jack McVeigh contributed 18 in his debut. Cameron Schofield added 12 points, but without captain Sam Waardenburg, sidelined until December with an ankle injury, and import point guard Andrew Andrews yet to arrive, the Taipans were undermanned and overmatched.

The Phoenix only grew stronger as the game wore on. Brown opened the third term with his sixth steal, sparking yet another scoring run. Cairns continued to cough up possession, their stagnant offence offering little resistance to the hosts’ press. By the fourth quarter, the only question was the size of the margin. The lead ballooned to 39 points late, the Phoenix never relenting as they gave their fans reason to believe this season could be different.

The final numbers told the tale: Phoenix pressure forcing errors, their bench outscoring Cairns’ by a wide margin, and their shooting depth on full display. The result was a 37-point drubbing, the kind of comprehensive victory that resonates well beyond opening night.

South East Melbourne will remain in town for Thursday’s Throwdown against Melbourne United, a fixture that will provide a clearer test of their credentials. Cairns, still waiting to be at full strength, return north to host Brisbane in a Sunshine Stoush on Friday night.

Final score: South East Melbourne Phoenix 114 defeated Cairns Taipans 77