Starting 5: Statement wins & heavyweights' danger signs

Round 5 saw Melbourne and Cairns record two crucial wins, as Illawarra’s poor start to NBL27 continued.

Pete Hooley looks at some key talking points from the round just gone.

1 – Perfect timing

The Illawarra Hawks have been under the microscope to begin the season due to their disappointing start, but a matchup with one of their foes came at the perfect time.

Over the last few seasons, the Illawarra and Melbourne matchup has grown into a strong rivalry, built on two teams that don’t like each other.

For Justin Tatum, this was added motivation that his team could use to come out and play the basketball they know they’re capable of and get a huge win at John Cain Arena.

2 – Six of them

The spotlight on Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis isn’t going to go away anytime soon, regardless of whether they’re playing against each other or not.

Davis had the first opportunity to hit the floor after their confrontation last round, but he was kept quiet in the second half against the Breakers, and the Kings went down in their Ignite Cup game.

Then, Cotton had the opportunity to send another statement, and the six-time MVP did what he does so well.

Cotton’s 35 points helped lift his undermanned team to a big win at MyState Bank Arena and a celebration that reminded everyone he is in fact the benchmark.

3 – Leading the way

The Tasmania JackJumpers have started their season in sublime fashion, winning five of their opening seven games and doing it in style at MyState Bank Arena.

Their well-balanced roster has been on full display, but it’s their bookend local stars of Taran Armstrong and Will Magnay who have really solidified themselves as the foundation of this team.

Armstrong’s career game against the Breakers came at the perfect time, as the JackJumpers were looking to bounce back after their shock loss to Adelaide.

Magnay, on the other hand, has been nothing short of sensational to begin NBL27, filling up the stat sheet and showing just why he is one of the most dominant big men when healthy.

4 – A ship without its rudder

It was the first road trip for the Perth Wildcats, and losing their leader Kristian Doolittle the week leading up to it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

For all that he does on the floor, Doolittle’s leadership was sorely missed in the Wildcats’ loss against the Kings.

Without their star forward, Elijah Pepper was blanketed by a stifling Sydney defence and was subsequently held scoreless in the game.

With Brandon Knight still getting acquainted with his new team and the League, it’s never been clearer how important Doolittle is to their success.

5 – The real South East?

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have been one of the more disappointing teams to begin NBL27, with expectations high and many experts predicting they’d compete for a championship.

After a tough loss in Brisbane, Josh King’s men responded in perfect fashion at home by dismantling the Cairns Taipans.

With a few line-up changes from King and an energised Nathan Sobey, the Phoenix put the Taipans away after the first quarter and ran out comfortable winners.

Is that the real identity we can expect to see more of?