Bullets revival NBL24 norm?

The Brisbane Bullets look to be well and truly back in NBL24. They’ve registered two wins to open the new season and next will face a stern test from their Queensland rivals, Cairns.

The Bullets travelled to New Zealand to take the win from last season’s runners-up New Zealand, who many are expecting to once again be competing for the title.

Veteran guard Nathan Sobey stepped up big-time for his side, while import wing Chris Smith hit a huge three to seal victory for the away team. 

NBL analyst Liam Santamaria says these types of wins could easily become the expectation of this new-look Brisbane side.

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“That was a very good win from that group,” Santamaria said on NBL Now. “I think this is something we should get used to, I think we’re going to see this quite a lot over the course of the season.

“I like what they’re about, this Brisbane Bullets squad. They really believe in Justin Schueller and what he’s put in place in that group.

“There’s a chemistry, and camaraderie and a connectiveness about that group really early in the season and as a result they’re off to a 2-0 start.

“Sobey was really good, Shannon Scott I thought was excellent, and a couple of other guys like Tyrell Harrison and some guys off the bench were really, really good last night.”

Both Brisbane and its next opponent – Cairns – walked away with hard-fought wins on Thursday night, as Bobi Klintman and Patrick Miller held firm to lead their side to victory over South East Melbourne.

Cairns suffered defeat to New Zealand in the opening round of the season, but have since regained the services of import big Josh Roberts, although he didn’t hit the floor in the win over the Phoenix.

With at least one of the two Queensland side typically sitting in the lower reaches of the standings in recent seasons, Santamaria believes Sunday’s game should be a great contest.

“I’m really looking forward to the Sunshine Stoush later this round,” he said.

“Brisbane and Cairns are both coming off Thursday night wins and when those Queensland rivals get together it’s always pretty fun.

“I’m looking forward to seeing that one in Brisbane and calling that game when it rolls around.”

Brisbane’s clash with Cairns tips off on Saturday at 8pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo.