Baynes and Johnson impress in Bullets debut

Aron Baynes and Tyler Johnson impressed in their first Brisbane Bullets outing as they led their team to a first up win at the NBL Blitz in Darwin.

There was a lot to like for Brisbane fans as Nathan Sobey also made his NBL23 pre-season debut, returning from injury in the Bullets 81-69 win over New Zealand.

Baynes made an immediate impact, with his presence felt not only in his performance, but also the leadership he brings to the group. Soaking up his return to court, Baynes finished with 14 points and six rebounds on 5/10 shooting.

Following the game, Baynes expressed pure joy of being back our on court, “Just loving it, having a blast out there with the fellas and trying to enjoy every second of it.” 

“I’m pushing them because I want them to push me. If we keep doing that every single time, we’re going to hold each other accountable. That’s when we’re going to buy in, that’s when we’re going to have fun and do the right things out there.”

Bringing 376 games of NBA experience to the Bullets, Johnson had 14 points on 5/7 shooting, while Sobey showed positive signs in the first half with seven points in nine minutes.

When asked about former Phoenix Suns and now Bullets teammate, Tyler Johnson, Baynes had nothing but praise.

 “We know what TJ’s about, the guy can give you 20 points in 10 minutes in the NBA. Out here, he’s able to go out, find space and create. There’s less space out here for him to work with but he’s so crafty. You see some of them moves he’s out here making double pump fakes and twisting shots let alone when his jump shot is going down. He makes the game a lot easier for everyone around him and it’s fun playing with him,” Baynes said.

While Baynes, Johnson and Sobey impressed in limited minutes, the Bullets showed a lot of positive signs as a unit.

DJ Mitchell (12 points, three rebounds), Harry Froling (nine points, four assists), Gorjok Gak (seven points, eight rebounds , six assists) and Jason Cadee (six points, three boards) all had their moments throughout the game.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect was after trailing the Breakers 28-18 at quarter time, the Bullets outscored the Breakers by 22 and locked down on defence, holding them to just 41 across the final three quarters. 

Up next, the Bullets face the Cairns Taipans on Tuesday night in their second game of the Blitz. Tip off is at 8pm AEST.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL BLITZ 

BRISBANE BULLETS 81 (Johnson 14, Baynes 14, Mitchell 12)
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 69 (Vodanovich 15, Rupert 12, Loe 10, Brantley 10)

BOX SCORE

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