It's A Whole Lot Tighter

Not the most graceful photo I've ever been in.

Round 7 in the NBL is complete and the ladder has just got a whole lot more congested.

The big movers for the weekend where the Wollongong Hawks who have found themselves well placed in the six with their 6-5 record. Two very good wins over the slipping Cairns Taipans see the hot Hawks 4-1 over their last five games.

As for the rest of the teams, the South Dragons, New Zealand Breakers and Melbourne Tigers remain the teams to catch as they solidify their spots within the top three.

After that the rest of the teams have themselves well and truly in a dog fight for the remaining three playoff spots.

Perth, Cairns and Townsville all have .500 records, while Adelaide and Sydney are a few games behind that group of three teams.

Gold Coast Blaze remain winless, but James Harvey believes this week's game against the Crocs will help them get on track in gaining a playoff spot.

The season is only a third of the way done so none of these spots are wrapped up. There will be a lot more movement before the season comes to an end but now would be a good time to get some "W's" on the board.

It does show however when you win a few in a row, such as the Hawks, how all of a sudden your season comes alive and you start to believe in what can be achieved.

It is going to become a mad scramble for the six playoff births available so every win now is important. You don't want to have to start chasing your tail late in the season in hope of gaining a top six spot.

complete ladder

Round 7 results

Wollongong 101-93 Cairns recap
New Zealand 103-99 Perth recap
South 96-87 Sydney recap
Melbourne 123-111 Gold Coast recap
Cairns 87-89 Wollongong recap
Townsville 97-106 New Zealand recap
Adelaide 108-76 Sydney recap

Other News

- New Zealand Breaker Phill Jones to face NBL Tribunal.

- Tony Ronaldson becomes the NBL's all time games leader.

- No excuses for the Cairns Taipans.

- Gold Coast to announce new import in time for Wednesday's game.

- Back to the drawing board for the Crocs.

- ESPN's NBA Weekend Dime - Q & A with Shaq.

- Atlanta Hawks off to fast start.

- Al Harrington to be traded?

Five Good minutes with Doc Rivers