Nate wasted, despite his boomer of a game
FORMER NBL MVP Corey Williams has urged the Taipans to better use star big man Nate Jawai if they are to ever snap their losing streak.
In limited opportunities in Cairns’ loss to Adelaide on Saturday afternoon, the 32-yearold Jawai showed the power and skill that propelled him to a stint in the NBA.
Australian Boomer Jawai was excellent in the opening term, commanding the painted area, as his influence sent his side a five-point lead into the first change.
Despite the Bamaga big man’s dominance, the Snakes’ offence went away from the big man in the second quarter as the 36ers strangled back the momentum.
Deep into the third quarter, Jawai led Cairns in both points and rebounds but was rarely the main option taken on offence. The experienced centre’s tip-in with just 12 seconds to play kept Cairns within striking distance of an upset victory.
“I do not understand why … they would have won one or two more games if they went to him more,” Williams said of Jawai not being used more often during the loss to Adelaide. “He is fit, give him the ball and play through him.
“Keep him out there and burn him out.
“Every time he touches the ball, something good happens.”
Jawai collected a new season high of 18 points, shooting at 85 per cent off the bench, and nine rebounds, despite taking only seven field goal attempts and rarely being the focal point of the offence.
The loss dropped Cairns’ season record to 1-13.