The National Basketball League (NBL) 2024-25 season is heating up as teams ramp up their performances, highlighted by exciting Christmas Day matchups. This year includes the promising clash between the Tasmania JackJumpers and the New Zealand Breakers, along with the top battle featuring the Sydney Kings against the Illawarra Hawks.
The Christmas Day fixtures are part of the league's tradition, bringing fans back to the arena during the festive season. On December 25, the NBL boasts two nail-biting encounters with significant playoff ramifications.
The first game showcases the Tasmania JackJumpers, who are currently riding high with six consecutive victories. Their latest success was against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena, where they secured a six-point win, even without their star player, Will Magnay. The JackJumpers have adapted admirably, lighting up the scoreboard with consistent offensive displays.
On the other hand, their rivals, the New Zealand Breakers, find themselves battling against adversity, as they enter the holiday season with seven straight losses. Their struggles intensified after the addition of Tacko Fall, who, due to his physical stature, has posed significant challenges for the team. The Breakers have been trying to find their footing, showing moments of competitiveness but failing to secure victories.
The second matchup on Christmas Day promises to be the highlight of the evening: the top-ranked Illawarra Hawks face off against the Sydney Kings. Both teams are contending for the top slot of the league, and this clash could prove pivotal as the playoffs near. The Hawks secured their leadership position with consistent scoring, averaging 109 points over their last four games, with their latest being an impressive 120-88 domination over the Perth Wildcats.
The Kings, meanwhile, aim to capitalize on their recent three-game winning streak as they return home to the Qudos Bank Arena. After overcoming the NZ Breakers, they look to turn the tables on the Hawks, who have won their last two meetings against them. Jaylen Adams, former MVP and current Kings playmaker, is expected to be the key player, contributing significantly to his team's scoring.
Alex Toohey, shining star of the Sydney Kings, made headlines with his decision to stay another season, believing this will improve his chances of being drafted to the NBA. He emphasized, "If you get to the NBA, and say I was a second-round pick, if you are not getting playing time and not getting developed, then... it can be hard to get back in." His recent performances, including a 21-point game against the Breakers, have placed him on the radar of NBA scouts.
Toohey, with averages nearing double figures and strong rebounds, has proven to be the embodiment of patience and growth. He highlights the importance of solidifying one’s foundation within the NBL, saying, "It’s about trusting myself and trusting I’m gettingbetter each day and...that’s when it really counts." His upward trend solidifies his decision as smart, positioning himself as one of the potential top-30 picks for the upcoming draft.
Aside from Toohey, other young NBL players such as Rocco Zikarsky, Karim Lopez, Malique Lewis, and Lachlan Olbrich are making noise, albeit with varying levels of success. Zikarsky, initially touted as one of NBL's standout prospects, has seen some struggles this season but recently showed flashes of brilliance against tough opponents.
Karim Lopez's integration with the New Zealand Breakers, impacted by injuries, has posed challenges as he navigates his place on the team. His performances indicate promise, with substantial rebounding and defensive skills, but his shooting struggles may require adjustments as he matures within the league.
Malique Lewis of South East Melbourne Phoenix is still searching for consistency, having not played up to his potential, though the league’s pressure presents him with opportunities to prove his worth before the post-season.
Meanwhile, Lachlan Olbrich has shown improvement for the Hawks but remains on the fringes of NBA draft conversations due to his overall stats not standing out. With the NBL season accelerating toward its conclusion, each player's future and team standings will drastically shape the playoff picture.
With so much at stake during this season of intense competition, the excitement on Christmas won't just be about celebrating the holidays but also pivotal moments for young athletes and teams eyeing finals spots. Whether it’s through showing up or stepping down, the performances on Christmas Day will resonate throughout the league and court their future narratives.
