Starting 5: The key talking points from Round 17

Round 17 saw Melbourne United return to the winner's circle, while the Phoenix showed their championship creditinals with a massive win over the 36ers.

Pete Hooley looks at some key talking points from the round just gone.

1 – King’s looming dangerously

The Sydney Kings could only suit nine healthy players on Thursday, which included two development players, and it didn’t matter in the slightest. Led by Kouat Noi and Kendric Davis, the Kings depth stood tall as they never looked worried against the Brisbane Bullets. With so many key pieces out injured, the bench unit has seen more opportunity in recent weeks and has thrived. With Torrey Craig due to suit up next round, this Kings team may only just be getting started.

2 – Phoenix send a big message

Everything was building towards a massive game between the top two teams on Sunday, until the reports of the Phoenix missing Nathan Sobey due to illness. Many saw that news and thought that this South East Melbourne team would not be able to get it done without their MVP candidate – and they couldn’t have been more wrong. Josh King’s team were simply outstanding, displaying a full team performance on both ends and dominating the ladder leaders. Ian Clark was thrown into the starting lineup and had a career night, dropping 27 points but it was Owen Foxwell who controlled everything from the point with 12 assists.

3- JackJumpers déjà vu

Last season the JackJumpers season was derailed by injuries, and it looks as if they’re facing the same fate in NBL26, after Will Magnay went down with a foot injury against Melbourne. In the last two weeks Tasmania has been building nicely, on the back of everyone being healthy. The JackJumpers had suddenly found their groove and were quickly becoming a team no one wanted to face. With everyone stepping up collectively, the one piece they simply could not afford to lose was their captain Will Magnay and it’s just brutal for a guy who was playing at a career best level.

4 – The win they needed

While Tasmania lost their foundation piece, Melbourne United did what they had to do and just win at all costs. It was Jesse Edwards who again stepped up with 21 points and 10 rebounds and set the tone in the middle for a team who was simply desperate to win. Interesting to note that United have a losing record against the JackJumpers at John Cain Arena (3-9) and MyState Bank Arena (5-6) yet are 2-0 against them at RAC Arena for HoopsFest.

5- HoopsFest success

The second edition of HoopsFest in Western Australia was a remarkable success as the crowds saw a 25% increase year-on-year. Unlike last year, all games were held at RAC Arena and the accessibility for fans, players and everyone involved was quite extraordinary. There was a definitive buzz around the city of Perth, with everyone in one place and teams getting out to engage with the community and embrace the weekend.