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The NBL Ignite Cup began in fine fashion last night, with big wins from both the New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings, but while both clubs continue to build momentum, questions are now being asked of the defeated. For the Cairns Taipans, their loss to the Breakers has left them with more questions than answers, dropping to 1-3 for the season. Head coach Adam Forde acknowledged the team's poor mental state and lack of resilience, highlighting the upcoming challenge against Melbourne United as a crucial opportunity to bounce back and rectify their offensive issues.
The NBL Ignite Cup began in fine fashion last night, with big wins from both the New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings, but while both clubs continue to build momentum, questions are now being asked of the defeated.
Cairns Taipans Question Resilience
For the Cairns Taipans, their loss to the Breakers has left them with more questions than answers. The Taipans were competitive in the first half before eventually being ground down in the fourth quarter, with the Breakers outscoring head coach Adam Forde's team 26-15 to seal the 98-75 victory.
'We're not in good spot at the moment and the big thing is it's all on the mental side, right? And I'll wear that,' Forde said.
'We knew this stretch was going to be a tough part of the schedule and it doesn't get any easier in a couple of days, but there's no game that's going to be easy. And so, you know, this was a moment to really build some resilience and we don't have that.
' They now have to travel from New Zealand to Melbourne, where they will take on Melbourne United on Saturday in what shapes as a crucial opportunity to bounce back. Reyne Smith of the Taipans drives up court during the round two NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Cairns Convention Centre, on September 23, 2026, in Cairns, Australia.
Jack McVeigh Shooting Woes
(Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images) Smith added 10 points, three rebounds and an assist in just 14:36 minutes of action, but the spotlight now turns to million-dollar man Jack McVeigh, who is currently in a form funk and struggling to escape his shooting woes. Through the first four games, when McVeigh is on the court, the Taipans are -72. When he is off the court? They are +20.
Now, plus-minus can be a debatable stat and that number doesn't purely fall on McVeigh, but his shooting numbers are far from ideal for the veteran. He is shooting a career-low 17.9% from three, going just 5-28 so far this season, while across his last two games he is 2-20 (10%) from deep.
Some of those struggles may be a result of the funky offence the Taipans are experiencing, with players often being forced into tough isolation shots, contributing to their poor shooting numbers. The Taipans currently have the league's worst Offensive Rating at 104.6, but the silver lining is simple: it's only four games into the season. These are issues that can be rectified, but bouncing back this weekend against a tough United unit is going to be a mammoth challenge.
Breakers Find Form With Jackson
The talent is there, now Cairns needs to put it together. The Breakers are beginning to find some form after their big win over the Taipans, led by MVP-calibre star Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who continues to put together a career year. The star guard finished with 27 points, two rebounds and 10 assists in the 23-point victory, once again leading the way for New Zealand. Jackson-Cartwright praised his side's response in the post-match press conference.
'I think just how our team responded. We came out tonight with a certain focus and a sense of urgency that allowed us to be in this game and play really well from the start,' he said.
'At times our offence got a little stagnant, but our defence held up. '
NBL Ignite Cup New Zealand Breakers Cairns Taipans Adam Forde Parker Jackson-Cartwright Jack Mcveigh Melbourne United
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