NBL champion Jack McVeigh has scored a career-best 47 points to lead Cairns to an epic four-point win over New Zealand Breakers just a few days after becoming a father.
The 29-year-old now has the second most points in a game by a Taipan behind Martin Cattalini, who shot 51 back in 2006.
McVeigh, who also had eight rebounds and three assists in the 99-95 win at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday night, goes into second position behind Bryce Cotton for the most points in a game this season.
Watch live coverage of NBL and WNBL 2025-26 seasons with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
“Shoutout out to the baby at home, it’s been a fun week,” McVeigh said post-game.
“That was cool to come out there and get that win.”
Taipans big Sam Waardenburg was also important to the Taipans’ fifth win of the season with 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his second outing of the campaign.
Rob Baker narrowed the margin to two with 12 seconds to play after a Parker Jackson-Cartwright steal, but a clutch McVeigh at the other end continued his perfect shooting from the free throw line to nail two from two and make it the victorious 99-95 scoreline.
The second win in three games for the Taipans now lifts them equal on five wins with Brisbane and a step closer to jumping off the bottom of the table.
The result also brought about the Taipans’ highest scoring of the season, beating their previous best of 96 also against the Breakers back on November 14.
Breakers forward Sam Mennenga was best for the visitors with 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists but it wasn’t enough as they fall to a 7-12 record and remain in seventh position.
Breakers star guard Jackson-Cartwright had 12 points and 11 assists in another promising outing for the Ignite Cup leaders.
Taipans guard Mojave King returned from a glute strain and had seven points, two rebounds and two assists from 26 minutes.
Breakers forward Carlin Davison landed a crucial three midway through the third quarter to put his side 61-59 ahead on a night where he finished with 10 points and three rebounds.
“This is not therapy, my team is fine” | 00:48
JACKED MCVEIGH
Marquee man McVeigh was on fire in the first half with an electric 26 points including a trio of threes to steer the Taipans to a five-point advantage.
McVeigh levelled the score line early in the second quarter and then followed it up with a lay up to give the Taipans their first lead of the game.
Then he nailed his third three of the game with three seconds to go in the first half to life his side to a 48-43 lead at half time after they were down 9-16 earlier in the first quarter.
The 2024 NBL Grand Final MVP shot 11/12 with his only miss a half-court shot which wouldn’t have counted if it was an NBA-ruled game.
McVeigh, who also became a new dad recently, finally made his first miss outside the half court shot with 2min 45sec left in the third quarter.
Even when he was on four fouls early in the last quarter, an unfazed McVeigh went on to nail back-to-back threes to put his side 83-77 ahead.
McVeigh finished his starring night with six threes shooting 6/8 from deep. And he was 16/21 overall for his 47 points.
HOME WIN
Taipans fans have had little to celebrate watching on at home this season, but they were finally treated to some epic basketball.
The Taipans improved their home record to 2-9 with the win.
A McVeigh pass for Marcus Lee to dunk midway in the fourth gave the loyal supporters plenty to cheer about.
Heading into the game, the Breakers had won their past six at the Cairns Convention Centre and were on a seven-game win streak over the Taipans.
POLAR OPPOSITE
The Taipans scored the first 13 points against Tasmania in their last game, but started with conceding an 0-5 run against the Breakers.
Meanwhile, the Breakers went 8/9 shooting from the field in the first six minutes to help spark a 23-19 lead after the first quarter. It compares better to the 26-20 deficit they had at the first break in their last game against South East Melbourne.
Cairns Taipans 99 (McVeigh 47, Waardenburg 16, Lee 15)New Zealand Breakers 95 (Mennenga 24, Brockington 17, Jackson-Cartwright 12)
At Cairns Convention Centre
Discussion about this post