Giants find the winning touch

The NBS Nelson Giants secured their first win of the season against the Auckland Tuatara in a thrilling 88-84 victory at the Trafalgar Centre.

The emotional win, witnessed by a sold-out home crowd, marked a turning point for the Giants, who had previously suffered three consecutive losses.

Despite early foul trouble limiting the court time of new import Kobe Langley, who managed to contribute eight points, three assists, and two steals, the Giants maintained their lead throughout the game.

Coach Mike Fitchett expressed confidence in Langley and announced the imminent arrival of the team's final import, who is expected to join the lineup for their upcoming game next Wednesday.

Mike commended Dan Fotu for his stellar defensive performance against the formidable Rob Loe.

“Dan did a whale of a job, playing above his size. Wait until we get our own big man and he can actually play his role again.

“Tom Ingham also deserves a mention, coming off the bench and giving us a bit of a spark.”

Dan Grida led the Giants' scoring with 17 points, showcasing the team's balanced offensive effort. However, it was Corey Webster of the Tuatara who shone brightest, tallying 25 points and nearly spearheading a comeback which included some impressive circus-style shots.

Featuring stars like Thomas Vodanovich and Reuben Te Rangi in their starting lineup, the Tuatara presented a formidable challenge and the victory will provide a much-needed confidence boost for the Giants.

Reflecting on the win, Coach Fitchett acknowledged the team's hard work, stating, "It wasn't a perfect game, but it's a good reward for all the hard work the guys have been putting in."