James Batemon joined NBL’s elite on Saturday night, becoming just the second player in the 40-minute era to score 50+ points, leading the Brisbane Bullets to a commanding 105-84 victory over the Perth Wildcats at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
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Batemon breaks fifty in Bullets vs Wildcats
The American guard’s historic 51-point performance puts him alongside Melbourne United’s Chris Goulding, who achieved the feat in 2014. Batemon’s shooting clinic included a franchise-record nine three-pointers, as he shot a blistering 67.9% (19/28) from the field and 60% (9/15) from beyond the arc.
“When I looked up at the scoreboard, the most nervous I’ve ever been honestly in basketball was shooting that free-throw when I had 39,” Batemon said.
“I was thinking, ‘Man I’m about to get 40, I’ve never scored over 34’.”
After a competitive first quarter that saw Perth leading 26-25, the Bullets took control in the second frame and never looked back. Batemon’s explosive shooting display reached new heights in the third quarter, where he connected on four three-pointers to help Brisbane build a substantial lead. The Bullets maintained their momentum through the final period, extending the margin to 21 points by the game’s end.
While Batemon commanded the spotlight, his teammates delivered crucial support. Keandre Cook contributed 17 points, including four three-pointers, while Next Star Rocco Zikarsky registered a career-high 13 points. Captain Mitch Norton’s defensive masterclass proved instrumental, holding Wildcats star Bryce Cotton to just 13 points on 3/16 shooting.
“When I looked up at the scoreboard, the most nervous I’ve ever been honestly in basketball was shooting that free-throw when I had 39,” Batemon says. “I can’t really explain the feeling. It was like I was in a movie.”
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Playoff push for the Bullets
The victory improves Brisbane’s record to 4-6 heading into the FIBA break, positioning them just one spot away from a playoff position. The Bullets face a crucial stretch ahead, beginning with a rematch against the Wildcats in Perth on 29 November.
With Batemon emerging as an elite scoring threat and strong team chemistry evident, Brisbane’s playoff aspirations have received a timely boost.
Published 18-November-2024
Match preview published on 15-November-2024.
Bullets vs Wildcats: Brisbane Eye Fresh Start as NBA Great Gervin Joins Ownership
Brisbane Bullets aim to reverse their fortunes against the Perth Wildcats this Sunday, marking their first home game since announcing new ownership partners. Bullets vs Wildcats tip off 3:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
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Narrow loss to JackJumpers
In the first game of this week’s double-header, the Bullets showed resilience but ultimately fell short in a tight 95-92 contest against the Tasmania JackJumpers. Despite mounting a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, Brisbane couldn’t cap off the turnaround.
Guard Keandre Cook led the charge with an impressive 23-point performance, while Josh Bannan contributed a near double-double with 15 points and 9 rebounds, along with 4 assists.
Bullets vs Wildcats
Looking to bounce back from Thursday’s narrow defeat, the Bullets face a crucial test against the Perth Wildcats. The matchup comes at a transformative moment for the franchise, following the announcement that GameAbove Sports has acquired a meaningful ownership stake in the Brisbane team.
NBA Hall of Famer George “The Iceman” Gervin headlines the ownership group, bringing his legendary basketball expertise to the organisation.
Brisbane Bullets CEO Malcolm Watts emphasises the significance of this partnership: “George, a Hall of Famer and one of the best shooting guards in NBA history, validates that we are building something special on the basketball side here in Brisbane.”
The move positions the Bullets for growth as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympics, with GameAbove Sports founder and chairman Keith J. Stone highlighting the strategic timing: “The NBL has seen tremendous growth and international recognition, and we believe in the potential of this franchise as a key player in the future of basketball.”
“Basketball has always been my passion, and to be part of a franchise like the Brisbane Bullets is an incredible opportunity,” Gervin states.
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Following Sunday’s clash, the team enters a demanding stretch of the season, with one away game next week before transitioning into eight straight weeks of double-headers.
