Overperforming Teams in the NBL: Who’s Surpassing Expectations?

Josh Higgins

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Last updated: 26 Nov 2024

Josh Higgins 26 Nov 2024

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The NBL teams achieving above expectations in NBL25
The Basketball Fix's Josh Higgins gives his top 3 NBL teams who are top performers.
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Melbourne United firming as favourites. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

As we reach the midpoint of the NBL season, several teams have exceeded expectations, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning just how far they can go. While some squads have struggled to meet the high standards set for them, others have risen to the occasion, playing above their projected abilities.

Melbourne United, the New Zealand Breakers, and the Adelaide 36ers are three teams that have really impressed with their performances so far, and they’re looking like genuine contenders to make deep playoff runs. Let’s break down why these teams are overperforming in the NBL.

Melbourne United: Championship Favourites in the Making

Few teams have looked as dominant as Melbourne United this season. With a squad stacked with talent and playing at both ends of the floor, they have emerged as one of the strongest teams in the league. They’re firing on all cylinders, and their combination of offense and defense has been nearly impossible for teams to stop.

Jack White has been one of the standout performers, proving to be a revelation with his all-around play, including scoring, rebounding, and defense. His contribution has been immense, providing an extra spark to an already talented roster. Chris Goulding, after a somewhat slow start to the season, has found his form and is back to playing at an elite level. And while Matthew Dellavedova and Shae Illi have been solid but not yet at their full potential, Melbourne United has still managed to find ways to win consistently.

Defensively, they are one of the best in the league, limiting opposing teams’ scoring and making life difficult for any offensive juggernaut. With a combination of experience, depth, and skill, Melbourne United looks like the team to beat and has quickly established themselves as one of the championship favourites.

New Zealand Breakers: The Early-Season Surprise

If there’s one team that’s been a complete surprise so far, it’s the New Zealand Breakers. After a season of transition with a new coach and revamped roster, the Breakers have been one of the hottest teams in the league. They’ve been firing on all cylinders, and their high-paced, up-tempo style of play has made them a nightmare for teams trying to keep up.

At the heart of this early success is Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who has been a revelation in the backcourt. His scoring and leadership have been instrumental, and he’s quickly established himself as one of the premier guards in the NBL. Helping Jackson-Cartwright is Matt Mooney, who has been a steady contributor and has excelled in the Breakers' fast-paced offense. The duo has provided New Zealand with a dynamic and explosive backcourt that has allowed them to dictate the pace of games.

Their offensive philosophy is built around quick shots and constant movement, and it has been paying off. New Zealand’s ability to shoot in volume and create fast breaks has caught many teams off guard, and they’ve been running up the score on teams that struggle to keep pace. If they can maintain this momentum, the Breakers could be a dark horse in the postseason, and they’re certainly a team to watch for the remainder of the season.

Adelaide 36ers: Surpassing Expectations After Years of Struggles

The Adelaide 36ers have been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. After years of disappointing performances, Adelaide is showing the kind of fight and resilience that had been missing in previous seasons. Despite being without key players like Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis for significant stretches, the 36ers have managed to keep their playoff hopes alive and have impressed with their team-oriented approach to the game.

Coach Mike Wells has worked wonders with a roster that was previously seen as underperforming. Adelaide has looked like a cohesive unit, with everyone contributing in some capacity. Even without their star players, the team has managed to play with energy, hustle, and a renewed sense of confidence. They have built a strong foundation that will serve them well as the season progresses.

Despite being without Harrell and Davis for now, Adelaide has shown that they’re more than capable of competing at a high level, and they could be a dangerous side come playoff time. If they can get healthy and continue their upward trajectory, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the NBL.

Final Thoughts: Can These Teams Keep It Up?

While Melbourne United, the New Zealand Breakers, and the Adelaide 36ers have all overperformed and exceeded expectations so far this season, the big question is whether they can maintain this level of play as the season progresses.

For Melbourne, it’s about keeping their stars healthy and continuing to develop their chemistry, as they’ll be the team everyone is gunning for as the top contender. The Breakers’ fast-paced offense is exciting, but will it hold up against tougher defenses in the latter stages of the season? And for the 36ers, can they continue to outperform their expectations without their key players?

These teams have shown that the NBL is as competitive as ever, and while the top teams like Melbourne are looking strong, the surprise packages like the Breakers and 36ers are making the race for the title even more interesting.

For now, though, they’re enjoying their moment in the spotlight, and it will be fascinating to see how they perform as the season continues.