Mansfield from heaven: Mansfield is no doubt still on cloud nine after a hailstorm of triples - seven of seven and clearly showing she's the barometer for the Lightning - Photo credit to WNBL
3-Minute Read
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WNBL ROUND 4
Adelaide Lightning vs UC Capitals
When: 6:00pm (ACDT), Wednesday 30 November
Where: Adelaide 36ers Arena (Formerly Adelaide/TS Arena – The Lighthouse)
Broadcast: ESPN
STRIKE BACK IN HISTORY
The trio nearly take court together
A strike back with a difference with an almost moment. Both head coaches Nat Hurst and Kristen Veal nearly played with Steph Talbot in her two and only seasons with the UC Capitals (2014-2016). In 2014 it nearly became a reality as Talbot signed with the Caps after her rookie season with the Lightning and drafting to the WNBA at pick 33. The Caps new head coach Veal was close to the end of her career after the previous six seasons at the defunct Logan Thunder. It didn’t quite happen with all three playing as Nat Hurst our head coach ended up signing in Europe that season with Canik BLD in Turkey.
What a trio that would have been under the legendary Carrie Graf.
Source: Pick and Roll
Key Matchups
Lauren Mansfield vs Jade Melbourne
Seven of seven from beyond was not just about how Mansfield got her shots – but also the impact it had on the momentum for her team. It sparked several strikes from the Lightning and so far in season 2022/2023 she is proving to be the barometer.
The much needed return for the Caps is that of Melbourne. Not only does she come into provide plenty of missing pieces – the smiling assassin will bring back her 9.5 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game her team has desperately missed.
Steph Talbot vs Rae Burrell
A quiet start to the season for our champion Opal – but thats not a bad thing on a Lightning team that has leaned so heavily on her at both ends. With one key matchup in the front court to really make sure they don’t give the Caps any momentum – it could be a big night for the skipper.
With one import gone in Cohen – the pressure will mount on WNBA Los Angeles Sparks Centre Burrell to have a huge input week in week out. She’s averaging 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game but if the Caps are to cause a legit upset – they will need her to start by dropping 20 plus in this one.
Chelsea Brook vs Rebecca Pizzey
Who Brook is to this year’s Lightning is still a question to be answered. Averaging less than one in each key statistical category in about 13 minutes per game – this is a game where Brook can take her minutes and look to be aggressive like we know she can be. She can be an x-factor if she can click into previous season form off the pine.
Pizzey crossed up the highway from Sydney for more opportunity – and now this season is the time to take her game to that next level. With another spot freed up in the front court its a great opportunity for her to gain some more minutes and show why she belongs in the WNBL. She’s capable after a big season with the Eltham Wildcats in NBL1 South posting 14.15 points at 49 percent and 7.46 rebounds per game.
THREE QUESTIONS TO STRIKE ON
How do you balance the talent in the lineup?
Its a classic conundrum for the head coach of the Lightning and her staff. As she said on the Shooting the Breeze podcast
Even in the first few weeks quality players in the lineup missed out on minutes. Previous minutes fillers such as Brook mentioned above, Sam Simons, Abby Cubillo and Ella Batish are clearly buying into the next up mentality when called upon. That makes it easier when players are eager and waiting for their piece of the minutes pie – then perform accordingly out on the court.
Who can be the surprise packet tonight for the Caps that can hurt the Lightning?
While Melbourne and Burrell are the keys to upsetting the Lightning – its Shanice Swain that can cause problems for the Lightning with her aggressive play and speed with ball in hand – beware the guard already starting with a career best start.
The Caps are clearly depleted how do the Lightning avoid complacency?
With a 1-3 record to start the season, every opportunity to win is crucial so I can’t see the Lightning getting ahead of themselves and coming out less intense than their last home game. To turn the Lighthouse back into the fortress is – they need to shelf any notion regardless of whos on the other side anybody on any given day can get you in a tight league.
So who wins?
Its time to start making the “Lighthouse” a very tough place for opposition to come and this one being a “TV game” – plenty of the other six teams will be watching. I think the Caps will be very competitive with a chip on their shoulder but a strong 10 minute period from the Lightning should like last game put away the Caps early enough with the Southside Flyers looming this weekend.
COD Prediction: Lightning by 18 points
CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 