The Auckland Tuatara got life in the Sal’s NBL off to a winning start in front of a big crowd at Eventfinda Stadium as they eased to a 92-59 win over the Taranaki Mountainairs on Saturday night.
Big men Rob Loe and Chris Johnson both double doubled as they overcame a slow start to secure an impressive first up win for the new franchise.
Former NBA star Johnson finished with 17 points (6-12), 14 rebounds, four assists and a pair of blocks in a superb return to the league while Loe grabbed 17 points (8-9), 15 boards and a block in an efficient outing.
Tall Blacks forward Taki Fahrensohn contributed 17 points and seven rebounds while guard Dontae Russo-Nance had 12 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals in a great all-round showing.
Coach Aaron Young was thrilled with how his side responded to the occasion.
“I am stoked – these guys deserve a big win,” Young said. “They have been putting in so much work and to have pieces come in later this week and fit in really nicely it is a great feeling.
“I think I am most proud of our defence overall. We locked in, we were physical, we adjusted to their run at the start but we settled in and played out kind of basketball.”
Young was delighted with his big name players but singled out a local player for special praise.
“Specifically, Chris McIntosh – he really got us going early and settled us down and had a solid game overall.
“We had seven guys score between 11 and 17 points and no one over 20 – that is a great way to play. That is a good recipe for success.”
The Tuatara are on the road in week two with back-to-back games against the Nelson Giants and Canterbury Rams next weekend.