The Otago Nuggets secured a decisive 95-68 victory over a depleted Southland Sharks team in Invercargill tonight.
Following last season’s struggles, the Nuggets are eager to take any win they can achieve.
However, the performance wasn’t without its challenges.
The first quarter proved difficult to watch.
Sam Timmins was unstoppable, achieving a remarkable double-double with 30 points and 11 rebounds.
Nonetheless, the Nuggets — who finished 3-17 last season — made strategic adjustments to curb his dominance.
Buay Tuach then took charge, scoring an impressive 28 points for the Nuggets.
Isaac Miller-Jose provided valuable support from the bench, contributing 10 points and eight rebounds.
Michael Henn found his rhythm late in the game, adding 13 points.
The Sharks were notably lacking in offensive power.
Will Leger (knee) and Max Darling (ankle) were sidelined due to injuries, while Caleb Asberry, Tobias Cameron, and Brayden Inger remain committed to overseas engagements.
Despite these setbacks, the Sharks had a stronger start, largely thanks to Sam Timmins.
Dominating the paint, Timmins effortlessly scored 14 points early on.
The Nuggets responded by substituting Henn with Isaac Miller-Jose to cover Timmins, though it initially made little impact.
Zach McKenzie and Tyson Thata-Paese each hit a three-pointer, keeping the Nuggets competitive.
Trailing 20-18 at the start of the second quarter, they gained ground when Timmins briefly rested on the bench.
Though the Nuggets had five weeks of preparation, their initial 10 minutes were reminiscent of a team unfamiliar with each other.
They made effective changes by applying more defensive pressure on Timmins, which proved beneficial.
The crucial difference emerged offensively, as they scored 34 points.
Tuach hit consecutive three-pointers and a dunk, propelling the visitors to a 52-42 halftime lead.
Sharks guard Rylan Jones (20 points) had the final say in the half by executing a smooth lay-up.
Tuach continued his momentum in the second half, opening with a skillful basket.
While Timmins added consecutive hook shots, the game continued to slip away from the Sharks.
Tuach made a steal under the rim, converting it into another score.
He was a standout in an otherwise uneventful quarter, which the Nuggets claimed 16-8.
The Sharks attempted a comeback at the start of the fourth quarter, with Jones landing an early three-pointer and Timmins scoring a lay-up.
However, they needed more support from their teammates, which was not forthcoming.
Nuggets rookie Toby Hunt sealed the victory with a buzzer-beater, marking his first points in the National Basketball League.
In the Rapid League matchup, the Nuggets defeated the Sharks 41-26, with newcomer Toby Hunt leading the scoring with 10 points.
■The Taranaki Airs narrowly defeated the Manawatū Jets 91-85 in the NBL season opener in Palmerston North on Thursday night. American import Xavier Green was outstanding, contributing 30 points and 12 rebounds.
The score
Otago Nuggets 95 (Buay Tuach 28, Michael Henn 13)
Southland Sharks 68 (Sam Timmins 30, Rylan Jones 20)
Quarter scores: 18-20, 52-42, 68-50, 95-68
