The Brisbane Bullets secured a crucial 107–104 victory in the Bullets vs Taipans matchup on Friday night at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, fueling playoff optimism despite an injury to import guard James Batemon.
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The dynamic duo of Casey Prather and Keandre Cook delivered outstanding performances, combining for 65 points as Brisbane improved to an 8–8 record and climbed to sixth place on the NBL ladder. Prather dazzled with 35 points, including an impressive 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, while Cook contributed 30 points and six rebounds, keeping the passionate home crowd on their feet.
Injury concerns cast shadow
The victory came at a cost, as Batemon exited the game in the opening minute of the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a left hamstring injury. The import guard, who had been making headlines since his 51-point explosion against Perth last month, managed nine points and seven assists before his premature departure.
“A lot happened tonight that we weren’t ready for,” said head coach Justin Schueller, addressing Batemon’s injury. “To find some resolve and get through it, I’m just proud that we stayed with it and found a way.”
Bullets vs Taipans, a game of momentum swings
The contest proved to be a rollercoaster affair from the opening tip. After Brisbane established an early 13-8 lead, the Taipans retaliated with a blistering 14-0 run. The Bullets, showcasing their mental fortitude, clawed their way back through Prather’s sharpshooting and timely contributions from Josh Bannan.
Both teams delivered an exceptional shooting display, combining for 30-of-59 success from three-point territory. Brisbane’s efficiency stood out, shooting 50 percent from the field and converting 13 of their 27 attempts from beyond the arc.
The final quarter provided plenty of nervous moments for Bullets fans. Prather briefly joined Batemon on the bench with back soreness, but the team’s depth shone through. Tyrell Harrison contributed 12 points, while Tohi Smith-Milner made crucial plays down the stretch to secure the win.
Playoff push continues
The victory positions the Bullets firmly in the playoff race as they prepare for a crucial Christmas Eve clash with the Adelaide 36ers. The road game against the seventh-placed 36ers (7-9) presents another opportunity for Brisbane to solidify their top-six position.
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With the team displaying impressive resilience and their imports in commanding form, Bullets fans have reason for optimism heading into the festive season schedule. However, Batemon’s injury status remains a concern to monitor in the coming days.
Published 22-December-2024
Match preview published on 18-December-2024.
Bullets vs Taipans: Defence in Focus as Brisbane Target Cairns
The Brisbane Bullets return to their home court this Friday, 20 December, with a chance to regain their winning momentum against the struggling Cairns Taipans, who enter the match riding a 12-game losing streak. Bullets vs Taipans tip off 6:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
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Building on recent success
Despite a setback in Sydney that snapped their three-game winning streak, the Bullets have shown remarkable improvement in recent weeks. Their high-octane offense averaged an impressive 113.3 points during their three-win run, showcasing a new fast-paced style that has energized both the team and their supporters.
The transformation has been particularly evident in players like Keandre Cook, who exploded for a career-high 33 points in their victory over South East Melbourne Phoenix. Meanwhile, Casey Prather has maintained his consistent offensive output, most recently demonstrated by his 28-point performance against the Kings.
Bullets soon to fire on all cylinders
The timing couldn’t be better for the Bullets, as key forward Josh Bannan is expected to make his return soon—from an ankle injury that prompted the team’s tactical shift. His presence could provide additional flexibility to head coach Justin Schueller’s gameplan, while Deng Adel’s imminent return from hand surgery will further bolster the roster.
While the Bullets’ offensive prowess has been turning heads, Coach Schueller has emphasized the importance of defensive improvement as they enter the second half of the NBL25 season with a 7–8 record.
“We know we can put enough points on the board against anyone in this league,”” Schueller explained. “It’s more what we’re doing at that end of the floor and that’s where our greatest growth will come, and what we’ll keep working on every single day as we move forward on this season.”
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Bullets vs Taipans
The match-up against Cairns presents an ideal opportunity for the Brisbane to implement these defensive principles while maintaining their explosive offensive form.
With the home crowd backing them and key players potentially returning, the Bullets are poised to take advantage of the Taipans’ struggles and push towards a .500 record—delivering an early Christmas gift with hopefully another dominant performance on their home court.
