WNBL RD 5 GAME 2 PREVIEW
WHEN:
- TODAY DECEMBER 9 – 7:30PM SA TIME
WATCH: Kayo (ABC IView)
WHERE: Cairns Pop-Up Arena
After going down to the Boomers last night, the Adelaide Lightning will be ready to go against the winless Bendigo Spirit. It’s crucial they handle their business tonight.
Lightning strike with Aimee Brett
The focus is clear going into the week ahead for the Lightning and rookie WNBL player Aimee Brett. “We have spent the last few days getting our scout down pat and what we need to do to lock down and get these next few wins,” Brett shared with the Lightning Press. “Energy, communication, and what we need to do and what we need to perform in are the areas this week we need to highlight and execute.”
The season is no doubt going to benefit areas of the games of players like Brett for NBL1 2021 and she’ll be taking those principles and points back to the Forestville Eagles in the Central competition. “I’ve been soaking up information on a daily basis, watching great amazing players, grabbing lots of tips and tricks; I feel like I am learning a lot this season,” Brett said about her experiences inside the Lightning camp.
Key Matchups
LIGHTNING VS. SPIRIT
Alex Wilson vs. Tessa Lavey
Wilson was the difference against the Spirit last time with 23 points at 57 percent, 5-10 from beyond the arc, 6 assists and 6 rebounds in a huge night out. She has been dynamic at the point for the Lightning this season and with a huge matchup with the inform Lavey; it’s bound to be an enthralling contest.
Lavey shot the lights out last time they met with 33 points at 50 percent with 4-6 triples and 6 assists. The Lightning must simply make her pass the ball to someone else to shoot it as if she gets up as many attempts as she did last time; it could result in the final nail that puts the Lightning out for the season.
Abbey Wehrung vs. Demi Skinner
Wehrung had 15 points for the night last time and while points will be important again, it’s her ability to secure the ball and defend the perimeter and switch to the inside small forward that will be a key for Adelaide. As we have said before with Lightning wins this season, she averages 14 ppg, 4.66 rpg, 2.6 apg and importantly just 2.6 turnovers per game. In their losses she averages 12.33 ppg, 1.66 rpg, 1.33 apg and a much larger 3.66 turnovers per game. That echoed true against Perth with her producing “winning” stat lines and as a result a competitive turnaround for the Lightning.
Skinner had another good one against the Lightning which was the catalyst to her gaining a start in the Spirit line-up. That started with a 17-point game with 5 of 9 triples at 55 percent. The Lightning are going to have to make her put the ball on the floor and keep her off the three-point line where she is red hot at the moment.
Last time they have met:
RD 3 2020: BENDIGO SPIRIT 83 (Lavey 33, Ernst 22, Skinner 17) DEFEATED BY ADELAIDE LIGHTNING 89 (Wilson 23, Talbot 22, Wehrung 15, Whittle, Tomlinson 8) at Townsville Stadium