Saints win thriller to become champions
Wellington Saints were crowned NBL champions for the 12th time, winning 77-75, after a titanic battle against the Hawkes Bay Hawks that could have gone either way.
YOUR SAL’S NBL CHAMPIONS….. THE @saintswgtn 🏆 🔥 🏆#SalsNBL@skysportnz pic.twitter.com/DDRvLXS4qr
— NZNBL (@nznbl) July 23, 2021
It was a Grand Final that lived up to expectations with the top two sides putting on a show for the crowd.
Only four points separated the teams going into the final minute with the Hawks getting within two, but they were unable to strike the all-important basket to tie the game.
The match
The Saints began the game well, taking an early 9-0 lead. Their long-range shooting was a big difference in the first quarter as they scored three triples compared to zero by the Hawks.
The Wellington side led 28-16 at the end of the first quarter.
The Hawks improved in the second period and reduced the deficit to just one point towards the end of the quarter, but a run of five points from Dion Prewster put some breathing space between the two sides again.
However, the third quarter was dominated by the Hawks, who won the quarter 19-9 and went 60-56 ahead.
It was a test of resilience and once again, the Saints came through. Prewster, Taane Samuel, Kerwin Roach JR and Kenneth Tuffin were all key in turning the game around in the Saints’ favour.
The game was still on a knife edge with just under three minutes remaining but a crucial three-pointer from Samuel helped his side go four points in front.
A HUGE TRIPLE FROM TAANE! SAINTS UP FOUR! 🔥#SalsNBL@skysportnz pic.twitter.com/TLW0J4xyV6
— NZNBL (@nznbl) July 23, 2021
Rhys Vague reduced the lead to two points with 36 seconds remaining but the Saints held on to become champions to win their seventh title in the last 12 years.
The star men
Taane Samuel was the star man for Zico Coronel’s side as he scored 26 points, and made two assists.
He was clinical with his two-point attempts, making eight out of eight. Here is his shot chart below.
Devondrick Walker was again excellent for the Hawks, scoring 31 points and making seven rebounds.
