NBL Round 3: Key Players Under Pressure as Season Progresses

PERTH, Australia — The National Basketball League (NBL) 2025-26 season enters Round Three with only four games scheduled, but the anticipation remains high. Key injuries, pressure on coaches, and performance expectations are already shaping the storylines.

Mason Jones, a recent addition to the Perth Wildcats, is under the spotlight as he seeks to find his footing. After an impressive NBA G League season where he earned a championship and Finals MVP, expectations are steep. So far, Jones has averaged nine points, two rebounds, and two and a half assists with a shooting percentage of just 26. His limited game time, around 27 minutes per match, reflects the challenge of adapting to a new environment.

Jones’s head coach, John Rillie, cited limited training time as a hurdle in Jones’s transition. Fans see Jones as the replacement for the beloved Bryce Cotton, adding to the pressure. The Wildcats hope for a breakthrough performance when they face the struggling Illawarra Hawks, who could provide the perfect opportunity for Jones to shine.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Breakers are still looking for their first win, sitting at 0-3 and under the direction of head coach Petteri Koponen. After a disappointing loss to the Wildcats, Koponen’s situation is precarious. The team has not met the expectations set by the new ownership group, and Koponen’s management of player rotations indicates tension within the squad. Players like Izaiah Brockington and Rob Baker have seen their roles decline, and with an upcoming match against the Sydney Kings, the pressure mounts for a turnaround.

On the Illawarra Hawks’ side, Jaquori McLaughlin’s early performance has raised concerns. In his debut against the Tasmania JackJumpers, he scored only five points and struggled with personal fouls. As the Hawks are without star player Trey Kell this season, McLaughlin needs to step up to enhance team momentum. His upcoming game against the Wildcats is critical, as the Hawks seek a competitive edge.

Lastly, the Tasmania JackJumpers have shown promise this season with a 2-1 record but face injury setbacks. Star import David Johnson will be sidelined for a month, and other players are battling injuries. Despite these challenges, the JackJumpers, led by Bryce Hamilton and Tyger Campbell, aim to solidify their early success against the Brisbane Bullets in a key matchup.