Round 3 Game Preview - Cairns Taipans vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Round 3 – Cairns Taipans vs Tasmania JackJumpers
Friday 4 October, 7.30pm tip-off
Cairns Convention Centre
Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo

State of Play

Fresh off a thrilling home victory that included their banner ceremony, the Tasmania JackJumpers now head north to face the Cairns Taipans. Will Magnay has been a dominant force early in the season, averaging a league-leading 3.5 blocks per game, and his rim protection will be pivotal. Jordon Crawford’s playmaking and Milton Doyle’s versatility have also been key to the team’s early success. Craig Sword, in his debut, showed promising signs and is expected to make an even greater impact as he integrates further into the system.

In their last encounter, the JackJumpers secured a 94-86 win, led by Crawford’s 25 points and six three-pointers. Tasmania’s defensive mindset remains at the core of their game plan as they aim to replicate that success by locking down Cairns once again.

Cairns enters Round 3 with one of the league’s hottest scorers, Rob Edwards, who is averaging 24 points per game. However, the JackJumpers continue to lead the league in defense, allowing the fewest points per game through the first two rounds, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown, with both teams sitting on the same record heading into Round 3.

SRT Logistics Coaches’ Take

Assistant Coach Mark Radford acknowledged the challenge Cairns presents, noting, "They’re a dynamic team, and they play a different style compared to our last opponents. Cairns is quick and unpredictable, so it’s crucial for us to stay focused and disciplined. We’ve had success there before, and while it’s a tough crowd, we love playing in that environment."

 Fun Facts

• Rob Edwards of the Cairns Taipans leads the league in scoring, averaging 24 points per game.
• Will Magnay is currently averaging 3 blocks per game, providing a strong presence in the paint.

Last Time They Met

NBL23 ROUND 18 – Saturday 1 February 2024 – Cairns Convention Centre

CAIRNS TAIPANS 86 (Miller 31, McCall 20, Armstrong 8)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 94 (Crawford 25, Doyle 17, Steindl 14)

In their last clash, the JackJumpers secured a crucial 94-86 win over the Taipans, with Jordon Crawford leading the way, dropping 25 points and hitting 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. His shooting created space and kept the defence on edge.

Defensively, Tasmania's pressure forced 11 turnovers, converting them into 14 points, while their dominance on the offensive glass added 17 second-chance points. Milton Doyle contributed across the board with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, controlling both ends of the floor. 

Ins & Outs

Tasmania JackJumpers

• INS: N/A
• OUTS: Sean Macdonald (ankle)

Cairns Taipans

• INS: Jackson Makoi, Taran Armstrong, Dillon Stith
• OUTS: Tad Dufelmeier (nominated injury replacement for Armstrong).