“Chess Match Series” Lives On

The Tasmania JackJumpers have kept their Playoff series against the New Zealand Breakers alive, with captain Clint Steindl declaring the series a “chess match”.

The JackJumpers won 89-78 against the Breakers on Thursday night, forcing a decisive Game 3 on Sunday with a spot in the Championship Series on the line.

“If you want to win a championship you’ve got to win some road games and this is our opportunity to take a step forward,” Steindl said.

“All eyes on Game 3, we’re going to rest and recover and put things in place to give us a chance to be successful.

“It’s going to come down to who can adjust the quickest.

“It’s a bit of a chess match with these series.”

Steindl provided a solid impact on Thursday, recording nine points, three rebounds and two assists in his 19-minute stint.

Steindl didn’t play any minutes in Game 1, but coach Scott Roth mentioned the hard work he put into training and preparation over the last 10 days to improve his chances of stepping onto the court and playing impactful minutes.

“He’s done a lot of work over the last 10 days to get back on the floor,” Roth said.

“I didn’t know after shoot around whether I was going to play him or not and when I drove into the gym today, I ride with him thick or thin and he was a beaut tonight. 

“I think he’s a wonderful player, and an even better person. 

“He just fits this culture and he’s a hell of a guy, that’s the main thing for me.”

Roth said the JackJumpers’ aggression was a strong indicator they were in for a high chance of victory, and he emphasised the need for that momentum to continue into Game 3.

“Our aggression in a win or go home situation I said, let’s swing, and these guys swung,” he said.

Game 3 tips-off at 4:00pm AEDT on Sunday. Watch it live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies.