Giants struggles continue at both ends of the court

The Nelson Giants have slumped to second last on Sal’s NBL League ladder after losing to two Auckland sides in the space of three days.

They are now 0-4 with lack of offence proving a problem while they are also conceding too many points.

Last Friday, the Giants only trailed the Franklin Bulls by four points at half-time at the Trafalgar Centre but never really looked like overhauling the visitors and lost 94-83.

American import Brice Johnson top scored for the home side with 18 but wasn’t a factor in the second half.

They then suffered a setback with illness ruling out captain Sam Dempster from Sunday’s game against the also winless Auckland Tuatara.

Despite Manawatu Jets recruit Liam Judd amassing 16 points, the Giants were behind 45-36 at the break.

They closed within five points, early in the third quarter, but then slipped behind again.

While they outscored the Tuatara 21-16 in the final quarter, they were still convincingly beaten 81-72.

Brice had a game high 21 points and Liam 20, including four three pointers.
It was the lowest score the Giants had posted in four games but at least they kept the opposition under 90 points for the first time this season.

It doesn’t get any easier with the Giants hosting the Taranaki Airs on Saturday afternoon.