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Starting 5: The key talking points from Round 5

Bryce Cotton’s 50-point masterclass, Perth’s struggles, and Melbourne United’s dominance headline Pete Hooley’s biggest talking points from a dramatic Round 5 of NBL26.
Round 5 saw some big results, including a mixed bag from the Phoenix, Bryce Cotton adding to history and the Wildcats looking for answers.
Pete Hooley looks at some key talking points from the round just gone.
1 – It’s the Bryce show
It’s only taken Bryce Cotton six games in his new colours to deliver his second career 50-point game, as the five-time MVP single-handedly tore the Taipans apart.
Cotton hit 16 of his 29 field goal attempts and was perfect from the stripe going 16 of 16. The superstar guard is averaging over 30 points per game and looks well on his way to claiming his sixth MVP.
2 – JackJumpers need their own bed
The JackJumpers looked tired on Friday night in New Zealand, and it shouldn’t have surprise anyone. After a big win at home on Wednesday, Scott Roth’s men took off early the next morning, to head to New Zealand and prepare to face the breakers.
Of their seven games played this season, five have been on the road and fatigue is starting to show. This just looks like a team who needs a good run of home games to recover.
3- Phoenix’s wild swing
The Phoenix produced one of the biggest performance swings across a single round that we have seen. After losing by 17 in Adelaide on Thursday where they only managed to score 71 points, they bounced back on Saturday with a 40-point demolition of the reigning champions.
It was the Angus Glover show in that win, but he had plenty of help as the Phoenix scored 30+ in three of the four quarters.
4 – Perth’s questions
It’s now back-to-back losses for the Wildcats by an average margin of 20 points, which leaves John Rillie’s men with a lot of questions. A six-point fourth quarter in Sydney was a tough watch for the Wildcats who are now 3-3 on the season.
They head to Cairns on Wednesday night, where they won by three points recently but won’t be taking in much confidence after last round.
5- The benchmark
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Melbourne United are the benchmark of the competition – and perhaps Damon Lowery’s bold take that they won’t lose in 2025 is spot on. United look a cut above the rest on their seven-game winning streak, with five of those wins by double figures and three over 20 points.
With Chris Goulding now back and looking better than ever, who can slow down this juggernaut?
