Tasmania JackJumpers Claim Maiden NBL Championship with Thrilling Road Win Over Melbourne United
The Tasmania JackJumpers have etched their name in NBL history by clinching their first-ever championship title in a thrilling 83-81 victory over Melbourne United in the decisive Game 5 of the series. The JackJumpers, playing in front of a hostile crowd of 11,175 at John Cain Arena, showcased incredible resilience and determination to come out on top.
Jordon Crawford emerged as the hero for Tasmania, delivering a sensational scoring performance with 32 points, including 27 in the first half. His remarkable display on the court propelled the JackJumpers to victory and secured their place in NBL folklore. Crawford’s performance ranks as one of the top scoring efforts in a title-series game in the past decade.
Under the guidance of head coach Scott Roth, Tasmania overcame the odds and completed a fairytale journey to the championship, having fallen short in the finals two years ago. The series against Melbourne was tightly contested, with the final four games decided by a mere 11 points, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of the matchup.
While Crawford stole the show with his scoring prowess, he received valuable support from teammates Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, and Milton Doyle, who all made significant contributions to the team’s success. On the other side, Melbourne’s efforts were led by Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, Matthew Dellavedova, Chris Goulding, and Luke Travers, who put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short in their quest for the title.
The thrilling climax of the series saw Melbourne take an early lead in the fourth quarter, only for Tasmania to mount a comeback and eventually seal the win in dramatic fashion. As the final buzzer sounded, Tasmania’s jubilant celebrations marked the culmination of a remarkable season and a historic achievement for the franchise. The JackJumpers’ championship triumph will be remembered as a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.