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Nelson Giants

04-12 14:00

85 - 86

End

Canterbury Rams

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Team

Total

Nelson Giants

Canterbury Rams

Nelson Giants

Canterbury Rams

2 points

3 points

Free Throws

Free Throws Rate

TO75%

66%TO

Foul

Ended85 - 86

No Data Available

Match Info

The Nelson Giants were edged out 85-86 by the Canterbury Rams in a thrilling New Zealand National Basketball League encounter at the Trafalgar Centre on Sunday afternoon. The Rams secured a dramatic one-point victory on the road, with the final scoreline decided in the closing moments of a tightly contested match. The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip-off, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times throughout the four quarters. The Nelson Giants, playing in front of their home crowd, established an early advantage with strong inside play, but the Canterbury Rams responded with sharp perimeter shooting to keep the score close heading into halftime. The pivotal moment came in the final minute of regulation with the scores locked. After a defensive stop, the Rams executed a well-designed play out of a timeout, resulting in a driving layup that drew a foul. The subsequent free throw proved to be the decisive point, putting Canterbury ahead by one. The Giants had one final possession to win the game, but a heavily contested three-point attempt at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing the Rams' narrow victory. Standout performances included a dominant double-double from the Giants' center, while the Rams' guard orchestrated the offense and hit several clutch shots down the stretch. This result has significant implications for the NBL standings early in the season. The victory provides the Canterbury Rams with crucial momentum and two important points, lifting them up the league table. For the Nelson Giants, the heartbreaking loss at home means they miss a key opportunity to solidify a top-four position. Post-match, the Rams' coach praised his team's composure in a high-pressure environment, stating, "To come into a tough venue like this and execute when it mattered most shows the character of this group." The Giants' manager reflected on the fine margins, saying, "We fought hard but came up one play short. We'll learn from this and be better for the run." The starting lineups featured the Giants' usual core of local stars and the Rams' blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent.