The Adelaide 36ers and New Zealand Breakers are set to battle for the inaugural Ignite Cup trophy and a $400,000 prize pool, with $300,000 awarded to the winners and $100,000 to the runner-up. The final is a thrilling showdown between two evenly matched teams, with the NBL confirming a sellout crowd on the Gold Coast. Here's a breakdown of the key players who will shape the game:
Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand Breakers): If the Breakers are to win, Parker Jackson-Cartwright must control the game – and he has done exactly that against Adelaide. He averages 22.3 points, nine assists and 2.6 steals in their three meetings. His ability to both score and create makes him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league. This season he is posting 17.7 points, 7.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals on 45 per cent shooting.
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Zylan Cheatham (Adelaide 36ers): Cheatham has enjoyed this matchup against his former club, averaging 12.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists in three meetings this season. His rebounding and ability to push the ball in transition often initiates Adelaide’s offence, while his inside presence forces rotations and opens the floor. If he generates easy looks alongside Cotton in the pick-and-roll, Adelaide’s offence becomes extremely difficult to contain.
Sam Mennenga (New Zealand Breakers): Sam Mennenga returns from a wrist injury in elite form after posting a career-high 32 points with nine rebounds and three assists against Cairns. For the season he averages 17.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 53 per cent shooting. His pick-and-roll partnership with Parker Jackson-Cartwright creates constant pressure on opposing defences and will be central to the Breakers’ chances.
Flynn Cameron (Adelaide 36ers): Flynn Cameron has been an important piece for Adelaide this season and, with heavy attention likely to fall on Bryce Cotton, Cameron’s secondary playmaking becomes vital. He is averaging 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 45 per cent from the field and 41 per cent from three. His ability to play both on and off the ball alongside Cotton gives the 36ers another scoring creator and a reliable release valve when the defence loads up.
