The South East Melbourne Phoenix made a powerful statement on their home floor, outlasting the Brisbane Bullets 113–105 in a high-octane National Basketball League clash that lived up to every bit of its pre-game billing. With both teams trading blows from the opening tip, it was the Phoenix who saved their best basketball for the closing stretch, producing the decisive runs when it mattered most to secure their second straight win of the season.

Match Overview

From the outset, it was clear this would not be a defensive slog. The Phoenix came out firing, using crisp ball movement and relentless transition offence to build an early lead. Brisbane, however, refused to wilt. The Bullets answered every Phoenix surge with timely three-point shooting and physical play in the paint, keeping the contest firmly in the balance through three quarters before the home side finally pulled away in the fourth.

The victory improves South East Melbourne's record to a perfect 2–0, while Brisbane slips to 1–1, a result that leaves both teams with plenty of confidence but also clear areas to sharpen ahead of the gruelling NBL season.

Key Moments

• Explosive second quarter: The Phoenix pushed their lead to 14 points late in the half behind a 10–0 run, but Brisbane closed the margin to nine at the main break.
• Bullets' third-quarter response: Brisbane came out of the locker room with renewed energy, cutting the deficit to just three points midway through the third period and briefly seizing the lead with two minutes remaining in the frame.
• The decisive run: With the game knotted at 101–101 inside the final four minutes, the Phoenix unleashed a 12–4 surge, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers, to slam the door on any Brisbane comeback hopes.

Standout Performers

The Phoenix offensive engine was powered by a trio of superb individual displays. Import guard Tyreke Landers was unstoppable, pouring in a game-high 28 points on 6-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc while adding seven assists. Veteran forward Matt Kenyon provided the veteran composure in the clutch, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds, including two massive offensive boards in the final two minutes. In the paint, centre Lucas Mathers registered a hard-fought double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the Phoenix on both ends of the floor.

For Brisbane, Jordan Pierce was magnificent in defeat, scoring 31 points and keeping his team in the contest with relentless drives to the rim. Jack Simmons added 22 points and six assists, while the Bullets' bench contributed 32 crucial points, but it wasn't enough to overcome their defensive lapses in key stretches.

Tactical Story

The game shaped up as a contrast in styles, and it was the Phoenix's speed and spacing that ultimately proved decisive. South East Melbourne generated 27 assists on 41 made field goals, an unselfish approach that created open looks all night long. Their ability to push the tempo after made baskets caught Brisbane out of position repeatedly, leading to easy transition opportunities.

Brisbane, by contrast, found their success through interior scoring and second-chance points, dominating the rebounding battle 46–38. However, the Bullets were undone by 16 turnovers, which the Phoenix converted into 23 points. In a game decided by eight, those extra possessions were the difference-maker.

Season Impact

For the Phoenix, this win builds real momentum. After a solid offseason of roster retooling, the early signs suggest a team that can genuinely compete with the NBL's elite. The balance of scoring—four players in double figures—combined with defensive intensity in crunch time, paints a promising picture for head coach Mike Kelly's system.

Brisbane will take the positives from a strong road performance but will head back to the drawing board defensively. Allowing 113 points and getting beaten on the fast break are concerning trends that head coach Justin Schueller will look to correct quickly. With a long season ahead, both clubs know these early games are about building sustainable habits, but for one night at least, the Phoenix soared higher.