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Sharks bask in glory after 'outstanding' NZNBL final
Sport Nation • August 10th, 2026 3:52 pm
Southland Sharks and the Wellington Saints in the 2026 NZNBL Grand Final | Photo: Debbie Fahey/Photosport
The Southland Sharks are NZNBL champions again, and they did it the hard way.
In front of a sold-out Invercargill crowd, the Sharks beat the Wellington Saints in a gripping grand final rematch, flipping last year’s result and claiming their first title since 2018 after a dramatic overtime finish.
The Fast Break Podcast co-host Finn James told Sport Nation the final delivered everything a championship decider should.
“It was outstanding," James told host Daniel McHardy.
"That game literally produced everything you'd want in a grand final. There was drama, trash talk, overtime, big plays, some unlikely heroes as well down the stretch.
“I'll think if you're a neutral basketball fan, you are very satisfied by the end of overtime. That's for sure."
Southland Sharks players and coaching staff celebrate winning the 2026 NZNBL Grand Final | Photo: Debbie Fahey/Photosport
At the centre of Southland’s win was grand final MVP Sam Timmins, who dominated the glass with a monster 23-point, 20-rebound performance, including 15 offensive boards.
“I guess we should probably start with the sheer dominance from the Grand Final MVP and Sam Timmins finishing with a 20-20 game, 23 points, 20 rebounds, I think 15 of them offensive.”
“Without Hyrum Harris, the Saints really didn't have a chance of kind of stopping him on the glass.”
The Saints had their moments, with Elijah Pepper exploding for 33 points and giving Wellington every chance to steal it late. But Southland’s second-chance points, physicality and depth proved decisive.
The game also came with plenty of heat, with Akech Aliir, Keylan Boone and Caleb Asberry all involved in a running battle of words.
“Aliir definitely was the leading candidate when it came to the trash talking that game, but it's what you want. It's what you want as a basketball fan.”
There was also late controversy, with the Saints left frustrated after Southland appeared to get the benefit of a timeout call in a chaotic final sequence.
“Realistically, the timeout doesn't get called. This is out of bounds. The Saints have a chance to tie, win the game, go to overtime, double overtime whenever it was.”
Still, James felt the contest stood tall as a spectacle.
“Just a great game. A great way to wrap up the season.”
Listen to the full interview below:
