Keandre Cook delivered a career-best performance to propel the Brisbane Bullets to a memorable 116–108 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix at home on Thursday. Brisbane notches their third consecutive triumph—their longest of the season—with a win in the Bullets vs Phoenix matchup.
Bullets showcased the team’s offensive firepower and resilience as they overcame a 15-point deficit early in the third quarter to improve their season record to 7–7.
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Offensive explosion fuels second-half comeback in Bullets vs Phoenix
Cook led all scorers with a spectacular 33-point display, shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field including five three-pointers. The dynamic guard also contributed five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in what was undoubtedly his finest performance in Bullets colours.
The victory didn’t come easily for the home side, who found themselves trailing by 15 points early in the second half. However, the Bullets’ commitment to their high-tempo offensive strategy paid dividends as they mounted an impressive comeback, outscoring the Phoenix 68-49 in the latter stages of the contest.
Team effort showcases Bullets’ depth
Centre Tyrell Harrison continued his dominant form with another double-double, recording 23 points and 12 rebounds while shooting an impressive 10-of-13 from the field. The supporting cast also made significant contributions, with James Batemon and Casey Prather each adding 16 points, while Isaac White enjoyed a season-best performance with 13 points, including perfect shooting from beyond the arc.
The victory marks Brisbane’s longest winning streak of the season, building on impressive performances against Adelaide and Melbourne United in Round 11. The team’s offensive output has been particularly noteworthy during this stretch, with scoring totals of 102, 122, and now 116 points in their last three outings.
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The Bullets will look to extend their winning streak to four games when they travel to Sydney to face the Kings on Sunday afternoon. The away fixture presents another opportunity for Brisbane to continue their momentum and climb further up the NBL ladder as Round 12 comes to a close.
Published 13-December-2024
Match preview published on 10-December-2024.
Bullets vs Phoenix: Brisbane’s Playoff Push Takes Flight After Melbourne Triumph
The Brisbane Bullets enter Thursday night’s clash against South East Melbourne Phoenix riding high on what Derek Rucker calls “Brisbane’s best win in eight years,” setting the stage for a pivotal contest that could reshape the NBL playoff picture. Bullets vs Phoenix tip off 7:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
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Strength in numbers
Fresh off a stunning upset over league-leaders Melbourne United, the Bullets showcased their offensive firepower in a performance for the history books. Their 122-point explosion, marked by an extraordinary 64% shooting display, not only snapped a 12-game losing streak against United but also demonstrated the team’s emerging potential.
The victory featured a remarkable scoring spread. Keandre Cook and Casey Prather led the charge with 27 points apiece, while Tyrell Harrison and James Batemon added 25 each. Their combined efforts made for the second-highest scoring total of the 40-minute era.
NBL analyst Derek Rucker sees this performance as more than just a single victory. “It was a masterpiece what they did to Melbourne,” Rucker explains. “This is the blueprint for success… those imports must accept responsibility for producing to this type of level and efficiency.”
Bullets vs Phoenix
With momentum on their side, the Bullets now enter a season-defining stretch. Sitting at 6–7 and positioned eighth on the ladder, Brisbane faces a critical matchup against the seventh-placed Phoenix (7–8). Thursday’s home game represents more than just another regular-season clash – it’s a chance to capitalise on momentum and make a decisive move toward the Play-In Tournament.
Adding to the stakes is the looming weekend game against the Sydney Kings. Brisbane will travel to Qudos Bank Arena to face the Kings on Sunday, 15 December at 3:30 p.m.—a demanding back-to-back schedule could prove transformative for the Bullets’ season.
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Two victories this week could vault Brisbane into playoff contention, transforming their mid-season narrative from hopefuls to genuine contenders. For Bullets faithful, it’s a chance to witness whether their team can replicate the offensive masterclass that has suddenly made the NBL playoff race significantly more interesting.
