Basketball: Airs looking to reignite finals push

File photo by John Velvin

The Taranaki Airs return to TSB Stadium on Friday night needing a response — and a win that could keep their Sal’s NBL finals hopes alive.

With both the Airs and Property Brokers Manawatū Jets sitting in the crowded chasing pack outside the top six, the matchup shapes as one of the more important games of the season so far for both sides.

For Taranaki, it is a chance to halt a recent slide and turn flashes of promise into a complete performance. For the Jets, it is an opportunity to show their increasingly dangerous roster can still make a serious late-season push.

The major storyline heading into the clash is the expected first appearance of Tall Black guard Tai Webster for Manawatū this season.

Webster joins brother Corey Webster in a backcourt that suddenly looks among the most dangerous in the competition alongside Kaden Sand and Kazlo Evans Jr.

The Airs enter the contest after a 113-86 loss to the Canterbury Rams in Hāwera last weekend. Taranaki started strongly and stayed competitive through the opening half before Canterbury’s depth and ball movement took control after halftime.

Xavier Green continued his strong season with 22 points, while James Moors added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Manawatū also comes in off a loss to Canterbury, beaten 100-93 in Palmerston North, despite strong performances from Isiah Small, Corey Webster and Sand.

Friday’s game is the second meeting between the two sides this season after the Airs stormed back from an 11-point deficit to claim a 91-85 win earlier in the campaign.

Green starred in that game with 30 points and 12 rebounds, helping Taranaki overturn a fast-starting Jets side led by Jamal Poplar Jr. and Sand.

The Airs will again rely heavily on Green, Aaron Cook Jr., Brandon Stroud and Moors, who has quickly become a major inside presence since arriving in Taranaki.

Moors looms as one of the key matchups against Poplar Jr., with the Airs likely to target the rebounding battle and try to wear down one of the Jets’ most productive players physically.

Taranaki’s ability to create turnovers and pressure the ball has been one of its biggest strengths this season, but the Airs have struggled consistently on the glass and converting strong stretches into complete 40-minute performances.

For the Jets, Sand has emerged as one of the league’s most efficient scorers, while Corey Webster looks increasingly comfortable after returning from injury.

The addition of Tai Webster now gives Manawatū another elite creator and scorer capable of changing the complexion of games immediately.

If the Airs can control the tempo through Cook Jr., win enough of the rebounding battle through Moors and Taane Samuel, and get offensive production from Green and Stroud, they can keep themselves firmly in the finals race.

But if the Jets’ deepening offensive firepower clicks into gear, Manawatū could leave New Plymouth sitting right on the edge of the top six.

When: Friday 29 May — Rapid League 6.30pm, Sal’s NBL 7.30pm

Where: TSB Stadium, New Plymouth

Watch: Sky Sport 2, Sky Sport NZ TikTok livestream, ESPN+ (US), FIBA YouTube (international)