Opening the game in a zone defence, the Flyers set the tone early and disrupted the Lightning’s offensive rhythm. Both teams struggled to find consistent scoring in the first quarter, with Opals veterans and opposing captains Steph Talbot and Cayla George held scoreless heading into the first break.
Despite the slow start, the Lightning remained within striking distance, grinding through defensive pressure and physical contests. The Flyers built momentum across the middle quarters, but Perth refused to let the game slip away.
Talbot produced a defining moment late in the third quarter, draining a remarkable three-quarter-court buzzer beater to close the term. The shot cut the margin to five points and ignited the Lightning bench, with Talbot single-handedly keeping The Lightning in the contest.
The intensity lifted again in the final term as the Lightning pushed to close the gap but were unable to capitalise when George fouled out with 6:30 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Despite multiple late surges, Adelaide could not fully reel in the deficit as the Flyers held firm down the stretch, taking the win 85-72.
Asked about the Lightnings current ladder position and run into finals, Coach Aja Parham Ammar - responded “Look, One practice at a time, One Game at a Time, One Half at a time, One Quarter at a time. You just play basketball and everything else kind of decides itself, I’m not too concerned”.
Adelaide will make the most of another week on the training track, placing a strong focus on defence and rebounding while continuing to integrate recruit Charlotte Whittaker, who made her debut after just one training session with the team.
Lightning fans are encouraged not to leave it too late to secure tickets for the teams next home game against the Townsville Fire on Sunday, 4 January 2025. Tickets on sale now.
Adelaide Lightning Leaders
Steph Talbot - 24 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.
Tayla Brazel - 13 points,3 steals, 3 blocks, 1 assist, 1 rebound.
Dallas Loughridge - 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.
Sania Feagin – 9 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist.
