Steph Talbot stuffs stat sheet in dead rubber

• WNBA star Steph Talbot finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists
• Lightning win last game of the season, finish sixth
• Geelong United won six games in its first WNBL campaign

Brianna Turner's 19-point performance led Adelaide Lightning to a commanding 87-70 victory against Geelong United at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Key Details

• Result: Adelaide Lightning 87 def. Geelong United 70
• When: 16th February 2025
• Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
• Standings: Adelaide Lightning (#6) | Geelong United (#7) (League Ladder)

By the Numbers

• Brianna Turner (Adelaide Lightning) starred with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal in 38 minutes.
• Elissa Brett (Geelong United) scored 18 points, and had nine rebounds and one assist in 24 minutes.

What Happened

The Adelaide Lightning asserted their dominance early, setting the tone for a comprehensive victory over Geelong United. The home team's superior shooting efficiency and rebounding prowess were evident throughout the contest, as they maintained control and gradually extended their lead.

Adelaide's offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting an impressive 50.7% from the field compared to Geelong's 40.8%. The Lightning's three-point shooting was particularly effective, with the team connecting on nine of 22 attempts (40.9%). This long-range accuracy forced Geelong to extend their defence, creating opportunities for Adelaide's inside game.

Brianna Turner's performance was instrumental in the Lightning's win. She showcased her versatility, shooting an efficient 75% from the field (9-from-12) while also contributing significantly on the defensive end with two blocks and nine rebounds.

The Lightning's balanced attack was further highlighted by strong contributions from multiple players. Steph Talbot nearly recorded a triple-double with 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Isabelle Bourne added 16 points and six rebounds. This depth proved too much for Geelong to handle, as the United struggled to contain Adelaide's multiple offensive threats.

Geelong United, despite the loss, showed flashes of competitiveness. Elissa Brett led the visitors with 18 points, including a four-from-eight performance from beyond the arc. However, the team's overall shooting struggles, particularly from inside the three-point line, prevented them from mounting a serious challenge to Adelaide's lead.

The Lightning's superior ball movement was evident in their 26 assists compared to Geelong's 15. This unselfish play created high-percentage scoring opportunities and kept the United defence off-balance throughout the game. Adelaide's ability to share the ball effectively while limiting turnovers (15 compared to Geelong's 19) was a key factor in maintaining their lead.

Defensively, Adelaide's effort was commendable, forcing 19 turnovers and recording eight steals. The Lightning's interior defence, anchored by Turner's presence, made it difficult for Geelong to establish any consistent scoring in the paint. This defensive pressure often led to transition opportunities, allowing Adelaide to push the pace and capitalise on their athletic advantages.

As the game progressed, Adelaide's lead continued to grow, with their largest margin reaching 17 points. Geelong showed resilience, briefly cutting the deficit to 11 points in the fourth quarter, but the Lightning's composure and execution in the closing minutes ensured a comfortable victory.