From setback to statement: Bullets answer the call

The Brisbane Bullets imports lit up opening night, but new coach Stu Lash singled out Tyrell Harrison and Sam McDaniel for their standout leadership after captain Mitch Norton went down injured.

The Bullets launched their NBL26 campaign with a strong 104-95 road win over the New Zealand Breakers on Friday night, led by Casey Prather (27 points, 4/8 from three), Javon Freeman-Liberty (17 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals) and Jaylen Adams (14 points, seven assists, five steals).

Harrison and McDaniel also rose to the occasion, delivering strong performances and providing crucial leadership in place of 374-game captain Norton, who suffered a knee injury in the second quarter.

Lash hopes he won’t lose his inspirational captain just one game into his coaching career, though the prognosis remains uncertain.

"We don't know a lot yet but my heart goes out to him because he's just an absolute warrior, but we'll assess that tonight and tomorrow," Lash said.

"We'll get back to Brisbane and see where we're at but if there's anybody that's going to fight through and figure it out, it's going to be Norto."

Harrison dominated inside with 24 points and 15 rebounds, while McDaniel added 10 points, five rebounds and two assists, with his defensive work on Parker Jackson-Cartwright especially vital.

By the final buzzer, there was plenty for Lash to like from his first outing as coach.

"Going 16/16 from the foul line in the second half was big time and I thought Tyrell's presence in the paint on both ends of the floor really levelled us up," Lash added.

"And Sam McDaniel was just out there making Parker work and he is so good, but he tried to make it as hard as possible as he could for him and seeing as much physicality as he could."

"Assists-to-turnovers is a big thing for us and we want to protect the ball and pass the ball, and we did a great job with that with 24 assists to eight turnovers. Usually if you're getting over 20 assists and under 10 turnovers your probability of winning the game is really high."

"Winning quarters is another one so to go 4-0 was a big one and then having six guys in double-figures, when you share the ball and play for each other, and sacrificing for your teammates then good things happen."