The Melbourne Mavericks are back on the winner’s list with a strong 65-54 win over the Queensland Firebirds at Nissan Arena.
Determined to respond after last week’s loss, the Mavs came out firing and held the lead from start to finish. With strong defensive pressure, clean transitions and composure under the post, they delivered a consistent four-quarter performance that kept the Firebirds on the back foot throughout the match.
Q1: Mavericks 20 – 9 Firebirds
The Mavs got off to a flying start, taking the lead early. Their defensive efforts were outstanding, with Liv Lewis creating a turnover and Amy Parmenter pulling off a huge intercept. Tayla Fraser and Molly Jovic worked seamlessly together, creating strong movement onto the circle edge and dominating the second phase off the centre pass. Jovic and Parmenter continued to win possession through tough contests. Entering the Power Five, the Mavs held a five-goal lead. Another turnover followed, and Kim Brown added an intercept, feeding it down to Sasha Glasgow for a Super Shot that extended the lead to 12. This was the Mavs’ highest-scoring opening quarter of the season.
Q2: Mavericks 34 – 31 Firebirds
The second term saw a shift in momentum, with the Firebirds starting to take control. Their defensive pressure increased, allowing them to stay in the contest. The Mavs remained composed through the first ten minutes, with both teams going goal-for-goal. A held ball by the Mavs entering the Power Five gave the Firebirds an opening, and they capitalised with two Super Shots to close the gap. Despite the surge, the Mavs held a three-goal lead going into the main break.
Q3: Mavericks 48 – 40 Firebirds
Shimona Jok dominated under the post with aerial leaps, while Glasgow took the front position. The Mavs built on their lead with two key turnovers, extending the margin to five. The battle between both teams’ goal shooters and keepers was intense, with long feeds threading into the circle. The Mavs made their first and only change of the game, bringing on Uneeq Palavi at GA. Lewis and Brown kept the pressure on, securing rebounds during the Power Five. Glasgow returned to GA late in the quarter, helping the Mavs push the lead out to eight.
Q4: Mavericks 65 – 54 Firebirds
Sticking with the starting seven, the Mavs closed the game with composure and consistency. Parmenter picked up another intercept, leading to a smooth finish by Jok under the post. Jovic continued to punch through to the circle edge, while Glasgow used smart angles to cut in front of defenders. Lewis remained relentless, hunting down the ball and applying constant pressure. Jok’s energy lifted in the final five, using her voice from the circle to energise the team. The Mavs forced a turnover off the Firebirds' first centre pass and followed with another down-court. Glasgow nailed a Super Shot, stretching the lead to 12. Although the Firebirds landed a final Super Shot in the last minute of the game, the damage was done - Mavs had led all game and sealed a strong 11-goal win.
The Mavs now head back home for their final home game of the season this Saturday, June 28, at John Caine Arena. They will be taking on the current ladder leaders, the NSW Swifts, so don't miss your chance to cheer them on in person one last time this season!
