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The match beginsThis section beginsThe jump ball begins
Daniel Saylor successfully jumped the ball off
Carter missed the jump ballDaniel Saylor scored 2 points with a dunkLukkonen assistedCarter missed a floater for 2 pointsJudd defended the reboundMcNaught made a passing errorBoyd missed a 2-point shotLukonen defensively reboundedMcNaught missed a three-pointerdefensive reboundsPorto's dribbling error - KelmanLukonen hit a three-pointerMcKnot assistedGaitling committed a personal foulBoyd was fouledWhitt scored 2 points on a floaterPorto's assist - KellmanGaitlin hit a step-back jumper from a threeCarter missed a three-pointerMcNaught defended the reboundGaitlin hit a three-pointerPauseBigg was substitutedPorto substituted for KelmanBigg missed a floater for 2 pointsDaniel Saylor coverDaniel Saylor defending the reboundDaniel Saylor scored 2 points with a dunkGaitling assistedWhitt missed a floater for 2 pointsDaniel Saylor coverOffensive reboundsAnderson was substitutedBoyd was substitutedRobinson made a passing errorJudd stole the ballJudd hit a 2-point dunkMcNaught committed a personal foulWhitt was fouledTai switched inRobinson was substitutedCarter missed a floater for 2 pointsJudd defended the reboundGaitlin hit a step-back jumper from a threeWhitt missed a floater for 2 pointsBigg grabs offensive reboundsAnderson missed a two-point shotGaitling defensively reboundedGaitlin missed a three-pointerTai's defensive reboundMcNaught committed a personal foulTae was fouledLukkonen was substitutedMcNaugh was substitutedNick came onMatthews was substitutedWhitt hit a three-pointerAnderson assistedGaitlin missed a three-pointerOffensive reboundsBoyd was subbed inCarter was subbed outNick hit a three-pointerDaniel Saylor assistedLukkonen came onDaniel Saylor was substitutedBoyd hit a three-pointerWhitt assistedWhitt was subbed inBigge was substitutedSaville came onTai was substitutedRobinson was substitutedPorto brought on KelmanMatthews made a dribbling errorBoyd missed a three-pointerJudd defended the reboundGaitlin hit a three-pointerNickel assistedMatthews committed a personal foulSaville was fouledCarter was subbed inAnderson came on offPauseLukonen committed a personal foulRobinson was fouledRobinson made his first free throwRobinson missed his second free throwSaville assistedCarter grabbed offensive reboundsBoyd hit a three-pointerPorto's assist - KellmanGaitlin missed a three-pointerCarter defensively reboundedCarter made a passing errorDaniel Saylor came onNick was substitutedBoyd committed a personal foulGettering was fouledGaitling made his first free throwGaitlin made his second free throwPorto's 2-point floater missed—KelmanPorto's offensive rebound - KelmanPorto's dribbling error - KelmanGaitling interceptedCarter committed a personal foulGettering was fouledWhitt switched inSaville was substitutedGaitling made his first free throwGaitlin made his second free throwBoyd hit a two-point jumperPorto's assist - KellmanWhitt committed a personal foulGettering was fouledGaitling made his first free throwGaitlin made his second free throwWhitt made a passing errorDaniel Saylor stealsGaitlin missed a three-pointerCarter defensively reboundedBoyd scored 2 points on a floaterOfficial pauseWhitt assistedGaitlin missed a three-pointerEnd of the first quarterThe Nelson Giants secured a hard-fought 88-85 victory over the Franklin Bulls in a thrilling New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) contest on July 5, 2026. The Giants, playing on home court, narrowly edged out the Bulls in a game that came down to the final possessions. The win was crucial for Nelson’s playoff push, while Franklin was left to rue missed opportunities.
Match Overview
From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets, with the Bulls showing aggressive outside shooting and the Giants relying on their inside presence. The first half was tightly contested, with neither side able to build a lead larger than six points. Nelson carried a narrow 44–42 advantage into halftime. The third quarter saw Franklin mount a strong surge, briefly taking a 65–62 lead, but the Giants responded with a 10–2 run to regain control.
Key Moments
- Fourth-quarter defensive stand: With the score tied at 83 with under two minutes left, Nelson forced a shot-clock violation and then converted a three-point play by their center to go up 86–83.
- Clutch free throws: After Franklin cut the lead to one, Giants guard sank two free throws with 8.7 seconds remaining to make it 88–85. The Bulls’ final three-point attempt rimmed out.
- Rebounding battle: Nelson dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 14 rebounds that led to 17 second-chance points, a decisive factor in the final margin.
Standout Players
For the Giants, Tom Vodanovich led all scorers with 27 points and 11 rebounds, including critical plays down the stretch. Sam Dempster added 18 points and 6 assists, running the offense efficiently. On the Franklin side, Isaac Davidson scored 23 points on 50% shooting, while Zach Fuller contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 boards. However, the Bulls’ bench was outscored 28–12, a significant weakness.
Season Impact
With this win, the Nelson Giants improved to 11–8 on the season, strengthening their position in the top four of the NZNBL standings. The Franklin Bulls dropped to 9–10 and now sit on the playoff bubble. The Giants’ ability to close tight games has been a hallmark of their season, while the Bulls must address their inconsistency in crunch time. The next meeting between these two sides looms as a potential playoff preview.
Nelson Giants vs Franklin Bulls Live Score, Stats & Results
Match Overview
The Nelson Giants vs Franklin Bulls fixture is part of the New Zealand NBL during the 2026 season. Follow live scores, New Zealand NBL fixtures, match statistics, New Zealand NBL standings and New Zealand NBL match results for Nelson Giants vs Franklin Bulls on Tiger Scores 365.
Head-to-Head Record
Previous Nelson Giants vs Franklin Bulls meetings provide useful insight into past results, points scored and overall head-to-head performance between the two teams.
Team Form
Recent results and performances help illustrate the current form of both teams ahead of Nelson Giants vs Franklin Bulls. Compare recent wins, losses and scoring records before tip-off.
New Zealand NBL Standings
League standings show the current position, points and performance of Nelson Giants, Franklin Bulls and other teams competing in the New Zealand NBL.
Match Statistics
Follow points, rebounds, assists, field goals and other key statistics for Nelson Giants vs Franklin Bulls. Tiger Scores 365 provides live and post-match data throughout the fixture.