A trophy, $300K and history: 36ers-Breakers final and the five stars who shape it

Across the season, teams competed in Wednesday night Ignite Cup games as the NBL introduced its newest in-season tournament concept. After 38 matches, only two teams remain – the Adelaide 36ers and New Zealand Breakers.

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They will now battle for the inaugural Ignite Cup trophy and a $400,000 prize pool, with $300,000 awarded to the winners and $100,000 to the runner-up, making every quarter across the tournament meaningful.

Both sides finished atop the Ignite Cup standings, Adelaide first with 21 points and the Breakers second with 20. Points were awarded within each game – teams earned a point for every quarter won and a point for winning the game, while tied quarters saw both teams awarded half a point. The two highest scoring teams progressed to the final.

With the decider set for Sunday afternoon on the Gold Coast, we break down the key matchups and the players who will shape the game.

FIVE KEY PLAYERS IN THE IGNITE CUP FINAL

5 – FYLNN CAMERON (ADELAIDE 36ERS)

Flynn Cameron has been an important piece for Adelaide this season and, with heavy attention likely to fall on Bryce Cotton, Cameron’s secondary playmaking becomes vital.

He is averaging 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 45 per cent from the field and 41 per cent from three. His ability to play both on and off the ball alongside Cotton gives the 36ers another scoring creator and a reliable release valve when the defence loads up.

4 – SAM MENNENGA (NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS)

Sam Mennenga returns from a wrist injury in elite form after posting a career-high 32 points with nine rebounds and three assists against Cairns.

For the season he averages 17.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 53 per cent shooting. His pick-and-roll partnership with Parker Jackson-Cartwright creates constant pressure on opposing defences and will be central to the Breakers’ chances.

3 – ZYLAN CHEATHAM (ADELAIDE 36ERS)

Cheatham has enjoyed this matchup against his former club, averaging 12.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists in three meetings this season.

His rebounding and ability to push the ball in transition often initiates Adelaide’s offence, while his inside presence forces rotations and opens the floor. If he generates easy looks alongside Cotton in the pick-and-roll, Adelaide’s offence becomes extremely difficult to contain.

2 – BRYCE COTTON (ADELAIDE 36ERS)

Few teams struggle to contain Bryce Cotton more than the Breakers. Across three matchups he is averaging 32.6 points and 6.3 assists, including a 42-point comeback performance in Round 21.

For the season he is producing 25.7 points, 7.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals on 44 per cent shooting and 38 per cent from three. After missing Adelaide’s previous game with back soreness, the club has confirmed he will play, setting up a marquee guard duel.

1 – PARKER JACKSON-CARTWRIGHT (NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS)

If the Breakers are to win, Parker Jackson-Cartwright must control the game – and he has done exactly that against Adelaide.

He averages 22.3 points, nine assists and 2.6 steals in their three meetings. His ability to both score and create makes him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league.

This season he is posting 17.7 points, 7.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals on 45 per cent shooting.

NBL26 SEASON MATCHUPS

Adelaide has won all three meetings this season, but by an average margin of just three points. They took Round 8 by four points, Round 18 by two points and Round 21 by three points, highlighting how evenly matched these teams have been.

The inaugural Ignite Cup Final shapes as a thriller, with the NBL confirming a sellout crowd on the Gold Coast.

“The demand for tickets highlights the momentum and excitement surrounding the Ignite Cup and level of interest in the final game. We’re looking forward to creating an incredible atmosphere and an unforgettable end to what’s been a successful addition to our season,” NBL Chief Product Officer Alex Hamilton said.

“The Ignite Cup has captured the imagination of fans with strong audiences and competitive matchups throughout the tournament, all building towards Sunday’s decider.”

The Ignite Cup Final takes place Sunday, February 22 at 4:30pm AEDT, broadcast live on ESPN via Disney+ and Channel 10 (Drama).