Airs take opening win over Giants- June 23, 2020
POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
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Derone Raukawa
The 2020 Sal's NBL Showdown has delivered a 208pt bonanza to start the season in Auckland with the Steelformers Taranaki Mountainairs winning 112-96 over the Mike Pero Nelson Giants. The high-scoring game was full of thrills and spills, along with a number of star performances, none better that the Airs' Derone Raukawa (181-G-94) (28pts, 10ast, 5 treys). The slick guard was the opening pick for the Airs at the Sal's NBL Draft and he didn't disappoint first-up, showing plenty of poise, court leadership and a fleet-footed turn of speed. Others to impress for the winners included Frances Mulvihill (16pts) and Tai Wynyard (208-C/F-98, college: Kentucky) (13pts), while Marcel Jones was everywhere with his 13pts, 12rbs, 7ast. The Airs shot at an impressive 59% clip, a telling advantage against Nelson's 46%. There was a lot to like about the Giants, particularly given they were without their star-studded top three players in Mika Vukona (197-F-82) (quarantine), Mike Karena (210-C-93, college: Wright St.) (ankle) and Dane Brooks (188-G-96, college: Harcum CC) (groin). Both Vukona and Karena could be back for the clash against the Nuggets on Thursday. Best for the Giants included Nic Trathen (202-PF-97) (23pts), Tom Ingham (189-G-93) (23pts) and Tysxun Aiolupotea (183-G-01) (20pts). |
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