Captain Cayla puts on superhero cape, flies high

• Cayla George 73% from the field, 66% from three
• Sydney Flames move to 5-6, 4th on the ladder
• Flyers Bec Cole has 23, Naz Hillmon a 22-10 double double

WNBA veteran and Australian Opals star Cayla George put on a New Year's Eve eve show on a red-hot 33 points on 11-from-15 from the field in the Sydney Flames 99-91 (Game Centre) win against the Southside Flyers on December 30, 2024 at Qudos Bank Arena.

Captain Cayla scintillating 33-point, including a clutch 4-from-6 from beyond the arc as the Flames held off a late surge from their rivals.

The match was a see-saw battle from the opening tip, with both teams trading blows throughout the first half. The Flyers held a slim 31-29 lead after the first quarter, but the Flames caught fire in the second, outscoring Southside 24-15 to take a 53-46 advantage into the break.

Sydney's sharp-shooting from distance proved to be the difference, as they connected on 12 three-pointers compared to just six for the Flyers.

As the second half unfolded, the Flames continued to apply pressure, extending their lead to as much as 14 points. However, the Flyers, led by the dynamic duo of Naz Hillmon and Bec Cole, refused to go down without a fight. The visitors clawed their way back into contention, setting up a tense final quarter.

The statistics tell the tale of a closely contested match, with both teams shooting efficiently from the field. Sydney's 53% overall shooting, including a blistering 37% from three-point range, gave them the edge over Southside's 47% field goal percentage. The Flames also dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Flyers 41-28, which proved crucial in securing second-chance points and limiting Southside's possessions.

Cayla George's masterclass was the highlight of the night, as the veteran forward showcased her all-around game with 33 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Her leadership on the court was evident as she guided the Flames through the Flyers' late-game pressure.

For the Flyers, Bec Cole put in a valiant effort with 23 points and six assists, while Naz Hillmon contributed a solid double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their strong individual performances, it wasn't enough to overcome Sydney's balanced attack, which saw four players score in double figures.