Round Three of the NBL26 season has arrived. With just four games on the slate, the action is limited but the storylines are not.
From key injuries to stars and role players, to coaches already feeling the pressure, and with the NBA in town, this round will still have a major influence on how the season takes shape.
Here are the NBL Round 3 Talking Points.
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CAN MASON JONES GET IT GOING FOR THE WILDCATS?
Mason Jones arrived in Perth with big expectations. Fresh off an NBA G League championship and Finals MVP with the Stockton Kings, he was seen as the saviour who could help the Wildcats return to the top. But through the opening games of the season, Jones has struggled to find his rhythm.
He’s averaging nine points, two rebounds and two and a half assists while shooting just 26 percent from the field. His minutes have been limited to around 27 per game, and the adjustment period has been clear to see.
There are reasons behind the slow start. Jones signed late, plays a ball-dominant role that takes time to integrate, and is adjusting from the G League’s larger court and different style of play. Those factors are real – but so too is the pressure. After a turbulent offseason and with fans seeing him, fairly or unfairly, as Bryce Cotton’s replacement, the expectations are immense.
Coach John Rillie has pointed to limited training time as a challenge, but ultimately it falls on Jones and the coaching staff to unlock his best. This Wildcats roster has championship potential, but if Jones doesn’t get going soon, they risk falling behind early in the season.
Their upcoming clash with the undermanned Illawarra Hawks could be the perfect stage for Jones to announce himself to the NBL and kickstart both his and Perth’s campaign.
“I know what you’re trying to do…” | 00:58
WILL THIS BE PETTERI KOPONEN’S LAST GAME AS BREAKERS HEAD COACH?
The New Zealand Breakers have been the most disappointing team to open the NBL26 season. Sitting at 0-3 after collapsing late against the Perth Wildcats – even after a 15-0 run early in the fourth – the Breakers now face a Sydney Kings side desperate for their first win of the year.
For head coach Petteri Koponen, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Koponen is clearly under pressure. After a busy offseason, a new ownership group, and a shift in identity, the expectation was immediate success. Instead, frustration has been visible in both his sideline demeanour and his rotation choices.
Imports Izaiah Brockington and Rob Baker have already slipped out of favour, seeing limited minutes and a quick hook after mistakes. Morale in New Zealand appears low.
Adding to the challenge, Parker Jackson-Cartwright is still managing a rib injury and isn’t at full strength. Much of the roster is new, so some early-season teething issues were expected, but patience is wearing thin.
Let’s be clear – this isn’t a call for Koponen’s job. But his body language and decision-making don’t suggest a coach with long-term security. The pressure is mounting, and unless things turn around quickly, it’s hard to see him lasting. With Sydney looming, a 0-4 start looks likely, and the Breakers’ future under Koponen will only become shakier.
United dominant in throwdown 29 win | 00:53
CAN JAQUORI MCLAUGHLIN BOUNCE BACK FOR THE HAWKS?
Jaquori McLaughlin’s debut against the Tasmania JackJumpers was far from convincing. In 26 minutes, he finished with five points, six assists and five personal fouls – a stat line that highlighted both his playmaking and his struggles.
With no Trey Kell this season, Will Hickey sidelined for up to four weeks, and Tyler Harvey carrying much of the offensive load, McLaughlin must step up quickly if the Hawks are to stay competitive.
It’s not surprising that his transition has been bumpy. So far, McLaughlin has looked uncomfortable with the NBL’s tempo and physical style. While originally signed as Hickey’s backup, his status as an import carries heavier expectations. Imports are brought in to elevate teams, deliver wins, and ease the pressure on star players – and McLaughlin hasn’t shown that level of impact yet.
Looking back at the Intercontinental Cup, the warning signs were already there. In his first outing, he logged 30 minutes but scored just seven points on two-of-ten shooting, with two assists, four fouls and four turnovers.
His second game was better, with twelve points and five assists in 34 minutes, but still not the kind of performance that moves the needle.
The issue for Illawarra is clear. Last season, Trey Kell’s two-way presence – his scoring, playmaking and defence – was the glue that allowed Harvey to shine. Without Kell, those responsibilities shift to McLaughlin, and so far he hasn’t shown he can replicate that influence. With the Hawks’ roster looking thinner than last season, filling that import spot with a genuine difference-maker is critical.
For McLaughlin, the pressure is mounting. If he can’t find form soon, his role could diminish quickly, especially once Hickey returns. The Hawks need answers, and this game against the Perth Wildcats may be his chance to prove he belongs.
Hawks underwhelming in loss to Tasmaina | 01:18
CAN THE JACKJUMPERS CONTINUE THEIR WINNING WAYS?
The Tasmania JackJumpers have opened the season strongly, sitting at 2-1. But their early success has come with setbacks.
Star import David Johnson has been ruled out for up to a month, Majok Deng is sidelined with a hamstring injury for a week or two, Josh Bannan is managing a sprained thumb, and illness has swept through the camp affecting several players. With that context, their clash against the Brisbane Bullets shapes as a real test.
Still, this JackJumpers team has shown they’re built on talent and resilience. Bryce Hamilton has been outstanding, averaging just under twenty-four points per game, while Tyger Campbell found his rhythm last week against Illawarra with seventeen points, four rebounds and four assists. Add in Will Magnay’s presence as a dominant interior force, and it’s clear Tasmania might be better than many expected this season.
Their next challenge comes against a desperate Brisbane side searching for a spark. The Bullets will welcome back star import Javon Freeman-Liberty and Sam McDaniel, both of whom will be key as Brisbane look to level their season record at two-and-two.
This matchup has all the ingredients of an early-season battle that could reveal plenty about both sides’ prospects.
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