Lions made big changes in the Summer which some big signings. Now bringing in proven players on paper works however watching these players blend in well together is a different story.
Lions have shown glimpses of what a force they could be in the BBL this year. Zaire Taylor performs week after week and continues to better the 20 point mark ever game. It does make you ponder how Zaire hasn't played at a higher level in his professional career. Drew Sullivan is more of a no thrill type of player who's stats against old club Riders show what calibre of player he is ( 19 points and 10 assists). Not to take away Sullivan's ability to get the crowd off their feet with his strong inside game at key points of the game, this has even prompted the nick name from the charismatic announcer the insurance policy always getting the Lion out of trouble.
I was at the first game of the season at Surrey where Lions saw off Surrey United by 16 points. Now Lions have and will continue to face bigger challenges then Surrey ( sorry Surrey fans!) but another signing Makal Stibbins stole the show on the night with 27 points and 12 rebounds. It has been a indifferent season for Makal since. Lacking minutes due to fouls we really have been limited in seeing what he can do. The loss to Newcastle was a frustrating one for Lions to take, Rod Brown was injured before the game which saw Zaire take the PG role. Lions were crying out for some order defensively against the best attack in the league but Makal's minutes were limited. After a hard working win against Leeds Force last Friday, it was going to be a tough game against a Riders time that only had 1 loss to their name 2 days later.
What a game for Lions fans to witness between 2 physical yet technical teams. It was neck and neck all game, however a 3rd quarter blast from Lions saw win a huge game. The loss of Rod Brown has been big for Lions, however Perry Lawson put in an intense performance on full court defence.
Lions have 2 more huge games in the next 2 weeks, tomorrow against Manchester Giants ( One I am sure Lions will win) and another go at Newcastle Eagles on the 14th December. Lions have certainly improved since the last time the Eagles came to town in October, so if you have never seen a Basketball game before be sure to get yourself down to the Copper Box on the 14th December.
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