If the Adelaide Lightning are to feature in the playoffs conversation in the second half of the season – tonight’s huge matchup against the Bendigo Spirit will determine whether the Lightning’s Christmas future belongs there.
But the Griffin ghost of Christmas past matchup hangs over their last loss…
The ghost of Christmas past: Kelsey Griffin was the difference the last time they met and will once again need to be quelled in this matchup where the Lightning need to begin making their run - Photo credit to WNBL
5-Minute Read
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Where: Adelaide 36ers Arena (Formerly Adelaide/TS Arena– The Lighthouse)
Broadcast: ESPN, Kayo Sports
STRIKE BACK IN HISTORY
Giant Gahan lifts Lightning into Semis
A classic match from back in the Lightning’s last golden era in the summer of 2009 – both teams playing off in an elimination final at the Lighthouse. The game featured now WNBL stars in Cayla Francis (George) and Mia Newley (Murray) and Kelly Wilson. The Spirit came in on a seven game winning streak setting the stage for the sudden death encounter.
The opening quarter was tight with the home side leading 20-18 before the Spirit hit the lead 40-41 at the half. The Spirit shot 62 percent led by now Melbourne Boomers assistant and Opal Kristi Harrower. The Lightning made their move in the third with a 22-11 quarter led by guard Angela Marino and Francis’s flurry of triples and nullified the Spirit to 29 percent from the field. They led 62-53 to open up the biggest lead of the game.
The Lightning held it and ran out winners 81-73 in the finish. Tracy Gahan the WNBA draft pick of 2002 and experienced European centre was enormous finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists while Rebecca Duke top scored for the home side with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Harrower always kept the Spirit in the contest with 22 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds and former Lightning player who played for 13 years in the WNBL Lauren King was next best with 15 points.
Checkout the latest WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s last home game versus Melbourne Boomers
Key Matchups
Lauren Mansfield vs Kelly Wilson
Mansfield had just the five points – a season low for her against the Spirit in Mildura. In the Lightning’s three wins this season she averages 14 points and 6 assists so her contribution to this team can’t be underestimated.
Wilson nullified Mansfield’s influence last time and will be looking to do so again. She’s a key part of this Spirit side that can lead from the point guard position. The amount both players can dish and dime for their team is going to go a long way to determining the result of this one.
Steph Talbot vs Kelsey Griffin
Talbot has been in incredible form averaging 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and two steal per game her last two matches – she’s risen to her World Cup form. She’s going to need that again tonight after an on looker from the commentary box at that tournament tore the Lightning to shreds in Mildura.
Griffin was the difference the last time they met with 30 points, 10 rebounds, six steals and three assists – but it was the final quarter when the game needed to be broken open where she took stock. She had 13 in the final term and will need to be stopped if the Lightning are any chance tonight. It’s up to the best defender in the team Talbot to take the matchup and make it hers.
Chelsea Brook vs Alicia Froling
Brook has hit her season best form at the right time for the Lightning. I’m a huge fan of her and her game so its great to see her back to averaging 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds the last three games. She shot the ball at over 50 percent from the field so lets hope she lets that thing fly once again.
Froling has been the x-factor as I pointed out in my recent piece for pick and roll. Averaging a career high 11 points and 3.5 rebounds – she’s the perfect foil and backup to Griffin and Anneli Maley.
THREE QUESTIONS TO STRIKE ON
Are the Lightning the unluckiest team of the season?
There’s a big case building for it – the details of their record speak for themselves. They are 0-6 against the top four teams and 3-0 against the bottom four but have also held leads in final quarters against top four teams. Their average losing margin is 9.5 points meaning the Lightning have always been in every contest except the outlier the Boomers game at home. That perhaps comes down to finding those closing combinations for the Lightning in those final quarters – we’ll see what work Nat Hurst has done since the Boomers games.
How do the Spirit make sure they keep the engine of Griffin motoring?
Its a legit question as given she’s a star – she is 35 years old and needs game to game management still. The Spirit are an average 24 years of age but the starters average 30.6 which makes them one of the most experienced but also a team that could have to call on its depth in various parts of the season. The form of Froling and having Megan McKay helps Griffin stay in top form which was a question mark I had prior to the season for this team.
What did the Flyers do to stop the Spirit streak that the Lightning need to repeat?
It was about three things they mainly did at both ends of the floor. The Flyers first all limited the number of clean three point attempts for the Spirit with 19 shots and forced them to 26.3 percent. Then at their offensive end they dished 27 assists so ball movement and making the Spirit defence work the 24 second shot clock was key to wearing them down. The final thing was limiting the second chance opportunities – they only gave up three points for the match.
Its not the style of Lightning to play long clock but perhaps for patches tonight they need to.
So who wins?
The Lightning have shown they can compete this season but now is the time they have to make a move on the table – it starts with tonight’s match against the Spirit. In their favour is the fact the Spirit haven’t won at the Lighthouse since 2016 and the homeside has a 5-1 record at the venue.
If the Lightning can get this one then they can get on a big roll with some very winnable games coming up at home and away. A loss here though and they start to slip away from the top four and would be four wins behind the Flyers.
Its going to be a tight one but I’m backing the home-side who needs this more – tonight we learn plenty about where this Lightning team really are at heading to the second half of the season.
The Lighthouse has been protected so far by the Adelaide Lightning but the unbeaten record is under threat this afternoon as the Apprentice’s Master in Chris Lucas brings his Boomers to town to storm the fortress Nat Hurst has begun to construct…
Master in Apprentice's house: Its going to be another emotional night for both parties as the master goes against the apprentice - this time in the Apprentice's unbeaten fortress - Photo credit to WNBL
4-Minute Read
Please continue to support SA basketball news and features content being written as well as national/international with the Pick and Roll – with our recent influx of work we are making content all free to read but need constant contributions to make this happen. $5 a month is all we are asking – If not keen to subscribe then please message to receive direct debit details how you can keep these quality features being produced
Checkout the latest WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s last home game versus Southside Flyers
Key Matchups
Kierstan Bell vs Tiffany Mitchell
Just the six points the last time they met but since then Bell has rung alarm bells out to the competition. She’s averaged 17.25 points and seven rebounds – a bonus for a player who came in with a rep of just being shooter. She’s won over fans with her hard work on glass and hustle. She’s a different proposition for the Boomers this time riding on some big time confidence.
Speaking of confident Mitchell is feeling those league MVP vibes right now. She’s #1 in scoring with 22.2 points, #3 in assists with 5.5 and #2 in average two point field goals made. She dropped 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds the last time they met in Melbourne.
Isobel Borlase vs Mia Murray
Borlase had 17 points against the Boomers last time they met. Her dribble penetration and speed gave the Lightning an x-factor in their last matchup. It gives her team a difference and can lift the Lightning into the top teams.
Murray has had a bigger role than anticipated already – due to the late start of Tess Madgen. As reported myself for the Pick and Roll – She immediately brings flow and connection to Lucas’s systems. Every coach has players they know they can recruit and fit right in immediately with no qualms. Murray is that for the Boomers, having slotted straight into the starting five in game one of the season. She’s averaging 11.8 points per game – that’s a tremendous lift from her recent seasons.
Abby Cubillo vs Paige Burrows
Cubillo has been an important foil for Mansfield for the Lightning. In an average of 12.5 minutes per game – she has only 2.7 points and one assist per game but its work at the defensive end when she comes in that can really give the Boomers some trouble.
Never afraid to throw a rookie into the deep end with great trust – Burrows for Lucas has been that one. Last time against the Lightning she played 17 minutes for three points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. If the Boomers get in trouble at the guard spot again – her number is likely to be called again.
THREE QUESTIONS TO STRIKE ON
What is the Boomers weakness?
Depth at the moment can still be tested but it will require the Lightning to be bold and play extremely physical inside the paint to try and draw foul trouble on George and force Wallace to fight over some screens to send her to the pine.
That then forces Lucas to go deep into his bench with still question marks hanging over the consistency of the “benchies”.
How do the Lightning make sure they “take care of the glass”?
The Lightning were smashed on the glass 48-32 by the Boomers last time they met. The Boomers are actually the 9th ranked team in offensive rebounds so the homeside through the recent form of their imports Monroe and Bell can take the ascendency here and limit the second placed Boomers second chances.
What has made the Boomers so successful so far this season?
Overall they’ve been able to keep their main five on the court. The top five players average 31.5 minutes per game. Thats resulted in holding #1 in field goal percentage with 49.6, 46 percent from beyond the arc and scoring with 86.8 points.
So who wins?
The Boomers have a terrific record on the road having won three but also have their only loss of the season was away in the challenging environment of Townsville. Speaking to a few Lightning players during the week – they know they were oh so close the last time they played at that execution down the stretch is vital if they are to keep an unbeaten record at home.
Today the Lightning can make a move in this competition and correct that – and I genuinely think they can sneak over the line in the chess match of this afternoon.
Izzy real good in stretching Southside, Fire fan late Lightning strikes, World Cup All-Stars clash in reunion, Mighty Mansfield rains down on Flames, Bronze medallist hold off crafty Capitals, Bell tolls as Monroe hits Jacinta-lating form against the depleted Flyers and Spirit wills itself over line riding on Griffin
Here’s the COD Dossier on the first seven games of the Lightning’s season
Bell is ringing in the city of churches: Its taken a little time to settle but we are now seeing the exciting and impact that Kierstan Bell has brought to Nat Hurst's fast lane Lightning - Photo credit to WNBL
Please continue to support SA basketball news and features content being written as well as national/international with the Pick and Roll – with our recent influx of work we are making content all free to read again but need constant contributions to make this happen. If not keen to subscribe then please message to receive direct debit details
Checkout the WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s game versus Southside Flyers
The Rundown
The debut night threw out the most unexpected of “debuts” – but it wasn’t an actual debut. Isobel “Izzy” Borlase in her second game gave the highly fancied Flyers an almighty scare with 25 points at 83 percent, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. The Lightning rolled out a new looking lineup to 2021 with Mansfield heading up the point, Whittle getting the start after a scintillating off-season – Talbot and the imports.
The Flyers got away from the Lightning in a short burst to lead 57-50 at the main break but through Borlase pushed it right back to a close finish.
What the numbers said
The Lightning’s mid-range game was on song in this one shooting 52 percent whilst also beating the Flyers on the glass 36-39 – in the end the Flyers hit a few more outside shots which proved to be the difference in the game with 50 percent (15/30) compared to 30 (7/23).
Whatthey said(Nat Hurst)
Coach Nat Hurst wasn’t too disappointed in the loss but hopes that her team continues to get better as the games go on.
Southside Flyers (Thornton 21, Cole 18, M Rocci 17, Blicavs 14, Ernst 12, Jackson 10) defeated Adelaide Lightning 99 (Borlase 25, Bell, Mansfield 14, Talbot 13, Whittle 9, Monroe 8) at State Basketball Centre Victoria
Checkout the WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s game versus Townsville Fire
The Rundown
The script followed a similar story to their previous game for the Lightning. Both teams traded blows across the opening quarter but the Fire took over in the second quarter 24-14 to trail 47-37 at halftime. The Fire through star import Tiana Hawkins had looked to have secure the win leading by 19 points with half a quarter to go. That was till Lauren Mansfield caught a light with 13 points in the final term including four of five from the land of plenty to get the Lightning back within six points and a run of 2-15.
Borlase and Whittle closed it to 80-79 before Karlie Samuelson was fouled and made both free throws. The Lightning tried to execute out of the timeout but were pinged for a 5 second inbound violation and were forced to foul Hawkins where she made both from the stripe to seal the game.
What the numbers said
The Fire shot 53 percent from the field and were consistently difficult to stop through the full game. The rebounds were however the most telling stat in this one with the Fire dominating the first half with 19-15 but the Lightning hitting back to even it up 14 a piece. The Lightning shot a healthy 44 percent from the field, 9/23 from beyond the arc but got to the free throw line and took advantage with 14/16 – Mansfield helped the Lightning shoot 60 percent in the final quarter comeback of 20-27.
Whatthey said(Lauren Mansfield)
“Losing is never fun but there are definitely some things we can take away from that game, obviously we stayed in the game and we fought back so credit to the girls for staying in it”
“We need to build on the momentum and try not to have so many lapses”
Townsville Fire 84 (Hawkins 33, Samuelson 20, Reid 12, Ruef 7) defeated Adelaide Lightning 79 (Mansfield, Talbot 18, Bell, Borlase, Whittle 10, Monroe 8) at the Townsville Entertainment Centre
Checkout the WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s game versus Melbourne Boomers
The Rundown
The third road game and second of the weekend was always going to be a tough gig as well as the emotional matchup against former coach Chris Lucas – and to add to that playing last seasons champions. The Lightning stuck with the champions through three quarters before George, Mitchell and Wallace put a gap between them.
The Lightning did fightback late once again but missed some crucial shots late that would’ve snuck them closer – again opportunities slipped to grab the first win but once again showed plenty taking it right up to the top teams.
What the numbers said
Again the Lightning’s second quarter forced them to play catchup 20-14 – the lack of assists and rebounds telling. The Lightning were smashed on the glass 48-32 by the Boomers and allowed the Boomers to shoot the ball at 64.7 percent from beyond the arc.
They did however capitalise on the Boomers 22 turnovers scoring 25 points from them – something to use as an edge against them in the home game in December.
Whatthey said(Jacinta Monroe)
“The first three games the effort has been there but we’ve lost them with a couple of mis-communications here and there. It’s not pressure that I’m one of the new faces as an import for the Lightning – its about gelling coming in doing my job and play hard.”
Checkout the WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s first win for the season versus Sydney Flames
The Rundown
It was over 1003 days since the Lightning played at the “Lighthouse” (now known as Adelaide 36ers Arena) – and the home team weren’t mucking around. With Monroe setting some on-ball picks to free up the shooters including the Lightning stroke of Mansfield – the Lightning led 24-15 off a Borlase buzzer beater. Monroe introduced herself to Adelaide fans with a Mon”no” rejection and Whittle was hustling hard for rebounds and scores.
The night belonged to Mansfield though as she shot 7/7 from beyond the arc for a perfect night and home victory.
What the numbers said
The Lightning shot 80 percent from the field in the first seven minutes to open the game and that trend continued. They had 54 percent at the half and dominated rebounds 22-16 – that produced an 11-0 run that put them in the box seat.
With Mansfield’s help they shot 9 of 18 from the perimeter up to three quarter time.
Whatthey said(Kierstan Bell)
“It felt really good (playing in front of the home crowd) – this is just the beginning we played really well but now we got to keep rolling. You know what it takes to win (coming from a winning culture from a WNBA championship team) and this first one felt really good and we just got to keep feeding off this.”
Adelaide Lightning 87 (Mansfield 23, Bell 22, Whittle 12, Borlase 11, Monroe 7) defeated Sydney Flames 67 (Froling 21, Mangakahia 15, Heal 13) at Adelaide 36ers Arena
Checkout the WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s second win of the season versus UC Capitals
The Rundown
Two in a row on paper was always a likely outcome but with Jade Melbourne back in the lineup for the Caps and two rookie coaches going head to head in Hurst and Veal – it ended up being much closer till the key moment of the match. The Lightning started strong before the Caps found a way to fight back into it.
Thats when the Bronze medallists Talbot and Whittle stepped up as they engineered a 12-0 run and finished the second half with 20 between them help the Lightning take out their second in a row.
To add to that Borlase put in another performance beyond her years to drop nine final quarter points and Monroe got rolling for 11 in the final term to seal the win.
What the numbers said
The Lightning got off to another great start shooting 61 percent from the field and dished eight assists.
The key moment in the game was when the Lightning were down 41-47 – the assist count dropped from the first quarter to four assists in 15 minutes showing the Caps stepping up the defence and seizing the lead.
Thats when the home side flicked the switch and went on a 33-16 run which included that 12-0 run – it was laden with 10 assists, a rebound count of 17-18 evening up the boards and an increase of 10 percent in shooting percentage from the half. The Lightning finished with 19 points from turnovers, 14 second chance points and 11 fast break points.
Whatthey said (Izzy Borlase)
“I just got out and ran in the last quarter – we had the energy from staying at home during the week. It really set us up to play as we love playing here at home.”
Checkout the WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s third win in a row against the Southside Flyers
The Rundown
There was plenty of anticipation for this one with a couple of superstars in Lauren Jackson and WNBA Dallas Wings Kayla Thornton and the rest of star-studded Flyers team in town. But it wasn’t to be…
Jackson was struck down by gastro on the Thursday and Thornton picked up a minor groin injury that kept her out but nevertheless the Flyers stood in the way of the Lightning gaining three in a row.
The Lightning got off to its usual fast start before the Flyers assumed control in the second half of the first term 17-26. It was the two imports that stepped up their game to bring the homeside back into it at the half 38-40- as they both registered double figures.
They continued on from there in the third as Bell and Monroe dropped 17 points between them to give the Lightning a 28-15 quarter and a handy buffer 66-55 at three quarter time – that included a 16-0 run. Bells’ work on the offensive glass needs to be noted too as she collected five of the Lightning’s 10 offensive rebounds for the term to create 8 second chance points.
They combined for 45 points together in the game including 34 after quarter time to give the Lightning an undefeated home record of 3-0 to win 91-72 in front of a big Saturday night crowd at the arena.
What the numbers said
The Lightning were down 20-34 in the second quarter when they turned the corner in this one. They first of all started to look after the ball – to that point they had 9 turnovers. They only gave up 11 more after that for the remainder of the game.
Secondly they started to move the ball better – they had 23 assists to finish with 29 for the match.
Thirdly – after being 0/12 from the three point line – they shot 50 percent for the remainder of the match to finish 8/28.
That resulted in an 18-6 turnaround in the second quarter and a run of 16 unanswered points. The Lightning were 71-38 from that point…
Whatthey said (Marena Whittle)
“They got us in the opening game of the season so this was definitely redemption and we were really happy with getting them in this one. KB (Bell) really came out of her shell in this one so we just kept giving her the ball. We turned around our physicality just prior to half-time and that changed the match.”
Checkout the WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s game versus the unbeaten Bendigo Spirit
The Rundown
Knocking off the unbeaten Spirit who have had their best start to a season since their 2012-2013 one would’ve been a very good scalp to claim.
Alas the script followed a similar pattern for the Lightning on the road – close but not quite.
There wasn’t much in it with both teams trading blows but the Spirit seemed to hold the three-four basket lead continuously. Eventually it was Kelsey Griffin of the Spirit who put the game away as she led her team to a 50 percent from the field final quarter. The Lightning did shoot 42 percent but a couple of late errors gave the Spirit the opportunities to close the match.
One huge plus for the Lightning was Chelsea Brook. She had her best game of the season so far showing great signs in her adjusted role off the pine with 9 points at 80 percent, 3 rebounds and an assist.
What the numbers said
The Lightning’s three point percentage was a little down dropping 27.3 percent for the game while from the Spirit’s turnovers of 14 the Lightning grabbed 13 points compared to the Spirit’s 29 points off the Lightning’s 19 turnovers.
Spirit’s Kelsey Griffin’s stat line of 30 points at 61 percent, 10 rebounds, 6 steals and 3 assists was the difference in the game earning her player of the week honours in the process.
Bendigo Spirit 84 (Griffin 30, Maley 19, A Wilson 16, Froling 11) defeated Adelaide Lightning 75 (Monroe 16, Bell 15, Talbot 12, Borlase 11, Brook 9) at Mildura Sports and Entertainment Centre
Catch all the basketball action Sunday afternoon Dec 18 at 3:00pm at the Arena when the Adelaide Lightning play the Melbourne Boomers
CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 