Darko Kelly leads Nuggets to win over Giants

The Otago Nuggets defeated the Nelson Giants 88-79 in Nelson tonight.

The Nuggets led by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, but they withstood a fierce attack from the Giants, who struggled to convert much of the second half of the game.

The Giants cut the deficit to at least five points, and if they had been able to make the free throws, things might have been different.

But the Nuggets deserved this win.

Zachous Darko Kelly played well, recording a double-double with 33 points and 10 rebounds.

Kimani Lawrence also had a strong performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

The Giants controlled the early part of the first quarter.

Kobe Langley stole the ball and ran for a dunk.

But trouble ensued as Langley slipped, injured his ankle and was carried off the field.

Lawrence hit a three-pointer and Andrew followed up, helping the Nuggets take their first lead of the game.

The Giants tied the game 21-21 at halftime, but the Nuggets then launched a fierce offensive.

Andrew found better space in the paint, Matt Bardsley made a real impact, and Dako Kelly was more active in his game.

The Giants were careless on defense, allowing Bardsley and Dako Kelly to score easily, and the Nuggets took an 8-point lead.

Darko Kelly showed off his speed on the bases and made some nice shots in one of the Nuggets’ best performances.

This was a hand-to-hand fight between the two sides, and neither side was willing to give in.

Australian player Dan Grida’s shot put the Giants ahead again, and the home team led 49-48 at halftime.

The Nuggets started the third quarter strongly. Lawrence made a beautiful jump shot, Caleb Smailer made a great steal, and Andrew caught Lawrence’s shot.

Midway through the third quarter, Alex McNaught’s defense slowed down Dako Kelly as the Giants tried to neutralize the visitors.

But the Nuggets played strong defense and grabbed rebounds to lead 65-62 at the end of the third quarter.

The Giants lost possession and were unable to make any progress inside.

Darko Kelly made consecutive three-pointers and the Nuggets took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter.

The Nuggets also won the Rapid League game 31-30.

score

Otago Nuggets 88

Zakes Darko-Kelly 33, Kimani Lawrence 22

Nelson Giants

and Grida 28, and Fotu 20

Score of this quarter: Nelson Giants 21-21, 49-48, 62-65