South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Cairns Taipans Match Player Stats Breakdown

Introduction

The South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Cairns Taipans matchups in the 2024-25 NBL season have been thrilling chapters in the Australian basketball landscape, showcasing intense competition, standout performances, and tactical battles. These encounters, rooted in the NBL’s competitive spirit, highlight the resilience of two teams with contrasting fortunes. This player stats from their key 2024-25 regular season games, specifically October 3, 2024, November 9, 2024, and December 7, 2024, drawing from credible sources like ESPN.com, Proballers.com, Sofascore.com, and semphoenix.com.au. Aimed at fans, fantasy players, and analysts, this guide unpacks the performances driving this rivalry, offering insights into team dynamics, statistical trends, and fantasy implications to secure a South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Cairns Taipans match player stats.

Rivalry Context and 2024-25 Matchups

The South East Melbourne Phoenix, representing a proud basketball region, and the Cairns Taipans, the sole national sports team from Cairns, have developed a competitive rivalry in the NBL. The Taipans hold a slight edge in their head-to-head history, winning 10 of the last 19 matches against the Phoenix’s 9 (Matchstat.com). The 2024-25 season saw both teams navigating challenges: the Phoenix struggled with consistency, sitting at 4-10 by December, while the Taipans faced a tough 3-12 record, hampered by injuries and roster changes (Sofascore.com). Their three matchups in the 2024-25 regular season provided critical moments.

• October 3, 2024, at John Cain Arena (Melbourne): Cairns won 87-80 (semphoenix.com.au).
• November 9, 2024, at Cairns Convention Centre: Phoenix won 97-74 (ESPN.com).
• December 7, 2024, at John Cain Arena: Phoenix won 99-94 (ESPN.com).

Below, we analyze player stats from each game, highlighting key contributors, tactical insights, and trends that shaped these outcomes.

October 3, 2024: Cairns Taipans 87, South East Melbourne Phoenix 80

Game Overview

The Taipans kicked off Round 2 with a hard-fought 87-80 victory at John Cain Arena, capitalizing on the Phoenix’s defensive lapses and poor three-point shooting (26%) (semphoenix.com.au). Cairns’ balanced attack and clutch free-throw shooting in the fourth quarter sealed the win, despite a late Phoenix rally led by Derrick Walton Jr. The Taipans’ defensive pressure forced 14 Phoenix turnovers, converting them into 18 points (Proballers.com).

South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Stats

• Derrick Walton Jr. (G): 18 points (6/12 FG, 2/5 3P), 5 assists, 3 rebounds. Walton’s playmaking kept the Phoenix competitive, but his late turnovers hurt (Proballers.com).
• Matt Hurt (F): 16 points (6/13 FG), 6 rebounds. Hurt’s scoring in the paint was a bright spot (semphoenix.com.au).
• Nathan Sobey (G): 12 points (4/10 FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists. Sobey struggled from three (1/4) (Proballers.com).
• Angus Glover (G): 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals. Glover’s defensive energy was notable (semphoenix.com.au).
• Majok Majok (C): 8 points, 7 rebounds. Majok battled but was outmatched by Cairns’ frontcourt (Proballers.com).

The Phoenix’s bench contributed just 18 points, and their 14 turnovers underscored ball-handling issues (semphoenix.com.au).

Cairns Taipans Player Stats

• Rob Edwards (G): 22 points (8/15 FG, 3/6 3P), 4 rebounds, 3 assists. Edwards’ scoring led Cairns (Proballers.com).
• Sam Waardenburg (F): 18 points (7/11 FG), 10 rebounds. Waardenburg’s double-double dominated the paint (semphoenix.com.au).
• Tanner Groves (C): 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks. Groves’ presence deterred Phoenix drives (Proballers.com).
• Taran Armstrong (G): 12 points, 5 assists. Armstrong’s playmaking fueled Cairns’ offense (Proballers.com).
• Akoldah Gak (F): 8 points, 8 rebounds. Gak’s rebounding supported Cairns’ second-chance points (semphoenix.com.au).

Cairns shot 46% from the field and outrebounded the Phoenix 42-35, with their bench adding 20 points (Proballers.com).

Key Takeaways

Cairns’ interior dominance, led by Waardenburg and Groves, and Edwards’ efficient scoring exploited the Phoenix’s defensive gaps. The Phoenix’s turnover issues and reliance on Walton and Hurt for scoring limited their comeback potential (semphoenix.com.au).

November 9, 2024: South East Melbourne Phoenix 97, Cairns Taipans 74

Game Overview

The Phoenix bounced back emphatically at Cairns Convention Centre, crushing the Taipans 97-74 in a statement win (ESPN.com). Led by Angus Glover’s career-high performance and a stifling defense that held Cairns to 38% shooting, the Phoenix capitalized on the Taipans’ missing key players, including Taran Armstrong (Proballers.com). A 28-15 third quarter sealed the rout.

South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Stats

• Angus Glover (G): 22 points (8/12 FG, 4/6 3P), 3 assists, 1 rebound. Glover’s breakout game led the Phoenix (ESPN.com).
• Matt Hurt (F): 19 points (7/13 FG), 7 rebounds. Hurt’s consistent scoring bolstered the attack (Proballers.com).
• Derrick Walton Jr. (G): 15 points, 6 assists, 2 steals. Walton’s floor generalship was key (ESPN.com).
• Joe Wieskamp (F): 12 points (4/7 FG), 4 rebounds. Wieskamp’s bench spark added depth (Proballers.com).
• Nathan Sobey (G): 10 points, 3 assists. Sobey’s leadership stabilized the offense (ESPN.com).

The Phoenix’s bench outscored Cairns’ 30-12, and their 12 steals reflected aggressive defense (Proballers.com).

Cairns Taipans Player Stats

• Rob Edwards (G): 17 points (6/14 FG), 3 rebounds. Edwards led but lacked support (ESPN.com).
• Sam Waardenburg (F): 12 points, 6 rebounds. Waardenburg struggled against Phoenix’s physicality (Proballers.com).
• Akoldah Gak (F): 10 points, 7 rebounds. Gak’s effort was overshadowed by Cairns’ offensive woes (ESPN.com).
• Tanner Groves (C): 8 points, 5 rebounds. Groves was limited by foul trouble (Proballers.com).
• Kyle Adnam (G): 6 points, 2 assists. Adnam couldn’t ignite the offense (ESPN.com).

Cairns’ 16 turnovers and 29% three-point shooting crippled their attack, with their bench managing just 10 points (Proballers.com).

Key Takeaways

The Phoenix’s defensive intensity and Glover’s unexpected scoring outburst exposed Cairns’ shorthanded roster. Hurt’s reliability and Walton’s playmaking fueled a balanced attack, while Cairns’ reliance on Edwards without Armstrong faltered (ESPN.com).

December 7, 2024: South East Melbourne Phoenix 99, Cairns Taipans 94

Game Overview

In a tightly contested rematch at John Cain Arena, the Phoenix edged out the Taipans 99-94, with clutch plays from Derrick Walton Jr. and Matt Hurt proving decisive (ESPN.com). Cairns, buoyed by Taran Armstrong’s return, kept it close, but the Phoenix’s 52% field goal shooting and late free throws secured the win (Proballers.com).

South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Stats

• Matt Hurt (F): 23 points (9/15 FG, 2/4 3P), 8 rebounds. Hurt’s scoring led the Phoenix (ESPN.com).
• Derrick Walton Jr. (G): 20 points (7/12 FG), 7 assists, 3 rebounds. Walton’s clutch free throws sealed the game (Proballers.com).
• Angus Glover (G): 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals. Glover’s two-way play was crucial (ESPN.com).
• Nathan Sobey (G): 12 points, 4 assists. Sobey’s veteran presence steadied the ship (Proballers.com).
• Joe Wieskamp (F): 10 points, 3 rebounds. Wieskamp’s bench contribution was timely (ESPN.com).

The Phoenix’s bench added 22 points, and their 10 steals disrupted Cairns’ rhythm (Proballers.com).

Cairns Taipans Player Stats

• Taran Armstrong (G): 20 points (7/13 FG), 6 assists, 3 rebounds. Armstrong’s return sparked Cairns (ESPN.com).
• Rob Edwards (G): 18 points (6/14 FG), 4 rebounds. Edwards remained a consistent threat (Proballers.com).
• Sam Waardenburg (F): 16 points, 7 rebounds. Waardenburg battled in the paint (ESPN.com).
• Tanner Groves (C): 12 points, 6 rebounds. Groves contributed but fouled out late (Proballers.com).
• Akoldah Gak (F): 10 points, 5 rebounds. Gak’s energy kept Cairns competitive (ESPN.com).

Cairns shot 48% from the field but struggled with 14 turnovers, and their bench scored just 14 points (Proballers.com).

Key Takeaways

The Phoenix’s balanced scoring and defensive pressure overcame Armstrong’s dynamic return. Hurt and Walton’s clutch performances outshone Cairns’ late push, with the Taipans’ turnover issues persisting (ESPN.com).

Key Players and Trends

South East Melbourne Phoenix

• Matt Hurt: Averaging 19.9 PPG and 6.9 RPG across the season, Hurt’s 16-23 points in these games highlight his scoring consistency (nbl.com.au).
• Derrick Walton Jr.: Despite hamstring injuries limiting him to 18 games, Walton’s 15-20 points and 5-7 assists per game against Cairns showcase his playmaking (nbl.com.au).
• Angus Glover: Glover’s breakout 22-point game (November 9) and steady 10-14 points in others mark him as a two-way threat (Proballers.com).
• Nathan Sobey: Sobey’s 10-12 points and leadership provide stability, though his shooting efficiency dipped (Proballers.com).
• Trend: The Phoenix’s bench (18-30 points) and defensive intensity (10-12 steals per game) were pivotal, but turnovers (14 in October) need addressing (ESPN.com).

Cairns Taipans

• Rob Edwards: Leading with 17-22 points per game, Edwards’ 17.5 PPG in November underscores his scoring reliability (Proballers.com).
• Taran Armstrong: Armstrong’s 20 points and 6 assists (December 7) and season-high 28 points (February 2025 vs. Brisbane) highlight his potential (Proballers.com).
• Sam Waardenburg: Waardenburg’s 12-18 points and 6-10 rebounds per game provide frontcourt stability (Proballers.com).
• Tanner Groves: Groves’ 8-14 points and 5-6 rebounds add depth, though foul trouble limits him (Proballers.com).
• Trend: Cairns’ interior scoring and rebounding (42-35 edge in October) are strengths, but turnovers (14-16 per game) and missing players like Armstrong hurt (ESPN.com).

Fantasy and Betting Insights

For NBL Fantasy and FanDuel, Phoenix’s Matt Hurt (19.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG) and Derrick Walton Jr. (high assist totals) are must-haves against Cairns, especially given their scoring consistency (nbl.com.au). Cairns’ Rob Edwards (17.5 PPG) and Taran Armstrong (18 PPG in February 2025) offer high-upside picks, particularly in points-heavy formats (Proballers.com). Sofascore.com notes the Phoenix’s 50% ATS win rate vs. Cairns’ 40%, making Phoenix slight favorites in close games like December’s 99-94 (Sofascore.com). Bettors should target Hurt’s over on points and Edwards’ over on points, given their performances against each team’s defenses (ESPN.com).

Why These Stats Matter

Player stats from these games reveal team identities: the Phoenix’s reliance on Hurt and Walton’s scoring contrasts with Cairns’ balanced attack led by Edwards and Armstrong. The Phoenix’s defensive steals and bench scoring give them an edge in fast-paced games, while Cairns’ rebounding and interior play keep them competitive when healthy (Proballers.com). For fans, these stats highlight emerging stars like Glover and Armstrong; for fantasy players, they guide roster decisions; for bettors, they inform prop bets and spreads (Sofascore.com). These matchups also reflect the NBL’s competitive depth, with both teams fighting for playoff relevance despite early struggles (nbl.com.au).

Conclusion

The South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Cairns Taipans matchups in the 2024-25 NBL season, spanning October 3, November 9, and December 7, 2024, delivered compelling basketball defined by standout performances and tactical shifts. The Phoenix’s 97-74 rout and 99-94 thriller, driven by Matt Hurt’s 19-23 points and Angus Glover’s breakout 22-point game, showcased their defensive tenacity and scoring depth (ESPN.com). Cairns’ 87-80 upset, led by Rob Edwards’ 22 points and Sam Waardenburg’s double-double, highlighted their interior strength despite injury setbacks (Proballers.com). Taran Armstrong’s return in December (20 points) signaled Cairns’ potential, but the Phoenix’s 2-1 series edge underscores their slight superiority (Sofascore.com). As both teams chase playoff spots, these player stats offer a window into their strengths and challenges, making this rivalry a must-watch in the NBL. Whether you’re a Phoenix or Taipans fan, these games encapsulate the grit, talent, and unpredictability of Australian basketball.

Final Thought

The South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Cairns Taipans 2024-25 NBL matchups, from Cairns’ gritty 87-80 upset to the Phoenix’s commanding 97-74 rout, showcased Matt Hurt’s relentless scoring and Taran Armstrong’s dynamic return. This rivalry, marked by defensive tenacity and clutch moments, epitomizes the NBL’s fierce, unpredictable spirit.