Hoops Heaven's Basketball Hustle – #NBL25 Episode 19

Shocking NBA trade reaction, well done Brisbane Bullets but thumbs down Adelaide 36ers, Perth Wildcats hit back but lose RAC Arena, NZ Breakers should go with Matt Mooney, last NBL round TABtouch preview, who gets fourth South East Melbourne Phoenix or Sydney Kings?

Before we get stuck into the NBL talk, we give our reactions to what might be the biggest NBA trade ever especially with how out of the blue it was with Luka Doncic joining the LA Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.

We then get stuck into what's happening in the NBL beginning with quick thoughts on the 36ers having a stinker but full credit to the Bullets, the JackJumpers went close, happy for the Taipans to let Rob Edwards go, Phoenix and Kings battling for fourth, and no RAC Arena for the Wildcats.

It's then time for an awards update with Bryce Cotton having locked away the Sports Card World Player of the Year with votes from Simon Mitchell while Shea Ili, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and Will Magnay are all still a chance for the Best Defensive Player from Damian Martin.

From there, we get into a more in depth discussion beginning at the Perth Wildcats who hit back impressively with better ball movement and their defence continuing to improve as Jesse Wagstaff celebrated his 500th game in style.

The team they beat on Friday night, the South East Melbourne Phoenix bounced back to beat the 36ers but again they continued their trend of opening up a big lead and not being able to hold onto it while if they have to go back to Perth a fourth time, Matt Hurt deserves to hear the whistle more.

Despite missing a handful of key players, the Brisbane Bullets were absolutely awesome in Adelaide for a win against the odds with Mitch Norton leading the way and Tohi Smith-Milner brilliant.

Last week the Adelaide 36ers were looking impressive and imposing. A week later and they delivered two poor performances aside from a 10-minute burst led by Jason Cadee and Montrezl Harrell against the Phoenix but their lack of energy and effort was a real concern.

The New Zealand Breakers have some big recruiting decisions to make, but should Tacko Fall be guaranteed to return, Matt Mooney could very well be the perfect point guard for them to go all in with.

The Cairns Taipans have let star guard Rob Edwards go ahead of the last two games of the season and that can only be a good thing moving forward for both the club and the NBL in recruiting players.

The Perth Wildcats will now be robbed of playing a home Play-In Game at RAC Arena thanks to Kylie Minogue and we give our reaction to that along with owner Mark Arena and the Red Army losing their minds at the news.

We finish off with the TABtouch Preview for the last round including a massive Illawarra-Sydney and Perth-Adelaide Friday, and Tasmania-Cairns and Melbourne-South East Melbourne pair of double headers.

All made possible thanks to the support of Hoops Heaven (www.hoopsheaven.com.au) and TABtouch (www.tabtouch.com.au).