In a stunning display of individual brilliance, Brisbane Bullets guard James Batemon etched his name in the NBL record books with a breathtaking 51-point performance against the Perth Wildcats on Sunday afternoon. Batemon’s offensive explosion propelled the Bullets to a commanding 105-84 victory at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, marking a crucial win for the team as they improve to a 4-6 record heading into the FIBA break.
A Slow Start Turned Spectacular
Batemon, who had been averaging a respectable 15.2 points per game over the past six matches, took his game to an entirely new level against the Wildcats. Despite a slow start to the season as the team’s starting point guard, Batemon’s move to the bench to provide scoring punch had been paying dividends. With captain Mitch Norton now starting in the one spot, Batemon had found his groove as a sixth man.
However, no one could have predicted the historic night that was about to unfold. In the absence of teammate Casey Prather, who sat out due to a hip injury, Batemon seized the opportunity to lead his team to victory. From the opening tip, it was clear that the American import was locked in and ready to put on a show.
Raining Threes and Shattering Records
Batemon’s offensive onslaught began early, as he connected on four three-pointers in the first quarter alone. His hot hand continued throughout the game, with four more triples coming in the third period. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Batemon had knocked down an incredible 9 of 15 attempts from beyond the arc, setting the tone for his record-breaking performance.
James was in a zone tonight. It seemed like every shot he put up was destined to go in. His teammates did a great job of finding him in his spots, and he made the Wildcats pay time and time again.
– A source close to the Bullets organization
As the points continued to pile up, it became increasingly clear that Batemon was on the verge of something special. His fourth three-pointer in the third quarter gave the Bullets a 10-point lead, one they would not relinquish as they cruised to the 21-point victory. Batemon’s final tally of 51 points surpassed the previous NBL 40-minute scoring record of 50, set by Melbourne Tigers guard Chris Goulding back in 2014.
A Tale of Two Stars
While Batemon was busy rewriting the record books, Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton found himself struggling to find his rhythm. The usually reliable scorer, who had just returned from a rib injury, missed his first 11 shots of the game. Cotton would finish with 13 points on a disappointing 3-of-16 shooting, unable to replicate his 33-point performance from Friday night’s win against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The Wildcats, now 6-7 on the season, will undoubtedly be hoping for a bounce-back performance from their star guard after the FIBA break. The loss of forward Kristian Doolittle, who left the game after the first quarter due to injury, only compounded the team’s woes.
Rising Stars Shine Bright
Amidst Batemon’s historic night, several other Bullets players stepped up to contribute to the win. Next Star Rocco Zikarsky, given extended playing time due to Tyrell Harrison’s foul trouble, posted a career-high 13 points and six rebounds. Keandre Cook also made his presence felt, connecting on four three-pointers en route to a 17-point, five-rebound, five-assist performance.
It was great to see our young guys step up and make the most of their opportunities. Rocco and Keandre showed a lot of poise out there and played a key role in securing this important win.
– Brisbane Bullets coaching staff member
For the Wildcats, Keanu Pinder was a bright spot in the loss, leading the team with 27 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting. Tai Webster added 11 points, while Ben Henshall chipped in 10.
A Turning Point for the Bullets?
As the NBL heads into the FIBA break, the Brisbane Bullets will undoubtedly be riding high off Batemon’s incredible performance and their crucial home win. The victory brings the team’s record to 4-6, providing a much-needed boost as they look to climb the standings in the second half of the season.
With Batemon’s scoring prowess now on full display and the team’s young stars showing signs of growth, the Bullets will be a team to watch when play resumes. As for the Perth Wildcats, they’ll need to regroup and hope for a speedy recovery for both Cotton and Doolittle if they hope to maintain their position among the league’s elite.
One thing is for certain: James Batemon’s 51-point outburst is a performance that will be remembered for years to come. In a league filled with talented scorers, the American import’s record-breaking night stands as a testament to his skill, determination, and the tireless work ethic that has made him a fan favorite in Brisbane.
As the NBL continues to evolve and grow, performances like Batemon’s serve as a reminder of the incredible talent that exists within the league. With rising stars and established veterans alike leaving their mark on the game, the future of Australian basketball looks brighter than ever.
