X’s and O’s: Tasmania JackJumpers

Despite locking up first place on the NBL22 ladder heading into the Hungry Jack’s Finals, Melbourne United will face one final test before the postseason.

The defending champs will have to face a hungry Tasmania JackJumpers side, who will potentially be fighting for their playoff lives.

Looking to extend their five-game winning streak and keep their momentum rolling heading into finals, let’s take a look at some of the keys to victory in this week’s addition of X’s and O’s.

Force Adams to be a facilitator

American import Josh Adams has played a huge role in the JackJumpers terrific maiden season.

Tassie has rolled through the back half of the season, winning nine of their past 11 games, thanks in part to Adams putting up 17 points per game.

Perhaps the most dangerous part of the guard’s play is his ability to score in the pick-and-roll.

Over 50% of Adam’s shots come from him firing his lightning-quick pull-up jumpshot in the PnR. When teams overcommit to his outside shot, he has also shown a proclivity to put his head down and get to the hoop.

Forcing the ball out of his hand in these scenarios, as well as handoffs, will be a major priority for United on Saturday evening.

The play above is a perfect example of how Melbourne can slow the JJs star. As Adams gets the ball on a handoff, Chris Goulding stays attached to his hip, dissuading the pull-up.

Adams instead goes towards the rim, however great help D from Shea Ili and Jack White force the ball out of his hand, leading to a Sam McDaniel miss.

Feed the big boys

Melbourne’s twin towers of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Ariel Hukporti have feasted on Tasmania like they were a packet of JJ Chicken Chips this season.

Without Will Magnay, who has missed the majority of the season with injury, United have given JLA and Big A the green light to attack Tasmania’s backup bigs.

In their first meeting, the pair combined for 30 points and 14 rebounds, and in their second game, Lual-Acuil Jr nearly equaled those numbers by himself as Hukporti missed the contest.

JLA registered United’s only ever 20-20 game, finishing with 26 points and 21 rebounds.

As we can see in the clip above, Melbourne have been getting Jo his points in a variety of ways against the JJs.

Going to the rim early and often should be the game plan for Melbourne, as Tasmania ranks last in the league in defending put-back opportunities, second last in defending post-ups, and seventh in defending cuts to the basket.

Tune in to Melbourne’s final game of the regular season on 23 April from 5.30pm on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.