Bullets outgun Pirates 116-87
Brisbane used all its weapons to cruise to a 116-87 National Basketball League victory over the Hunter Pirates at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
From Sam Mackinnon's amazing athleticism to guard Michael Hill's under-rated marksmanship, the Bullets were far too classy for the Pirates who relied too much on livewire guard Mike Helms.
Helms took 22 shots from the field and, while he finished with a game-high 26 points, he was forced to take too many poor option attempts in heavy traffic.
After the game, Pirates coach Adrian Hurley questioned how Helms could get to hoop so many times yet only received five free throws.
"Mike doesn't get much love," said Hurley about Helms' lack of foul calls.
"They don't expect him to get up to the ring and I really question the number of times he went to the basket and only gets five free throws."
Hurley described Hunter's 32 turnovers as "horrendous" and was also critical of his side's failure to stop Brisbane's three-point game.
Brisbane's scoring was well spread and coach Joey Wright was able to give rookie bench players Michael Shaw, Callum Baynes and Brad Kelleher some court time while resting veteran Derek Rucker, who played just 28 minutes after tweaking a hamstring in the first half.
Mackinnon, who had 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, set the standard with some great first quarter plays.
Michael Hill iced the 29-point stroll with a 13-point closing quarter which included four triples.
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