Wellington Saints Claim 13th NBL Title in Thrilling Grand Final Victory Over Southland Sharks

Keywords: Wellington Saints, Southland Sharks, NBL, basketball, championship, Hyrum Harris, Jordan Hines, Sam Timmins, Josiah Allick, TSB Bank Arena
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Sunday, 20 July 2025
In a nail-biting showdown at TSB Bank Arena, the Wellington Saints edged out the Southland Sharks 87-82 to claim their 13th New Zealand National Basketball League (NBL) title. The victory marked a triumphant return for the Saints, who had not won the championship since 2018. The game was filled with dramatic moments, including a clutch three-pointer by Jordan Hines in the final minute that sealed the win for the Saints. The standout performer of the night was Hyrum Harris, who dominated the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds. His leadership on both ends of the floor was pivotal in the Saints' victory. Fellow Saints' star, Nick Muszynski, also had a strong performance, contributing 18 points and 7 assists. The Sharks, led by their dynamic duo of Sam Timmins and Josiah Allick, fought valiantly throughout the game. Timmins poured in 22 points, while Allick added 19 points and 8 rebounds. Despite their valiant effort, the Sharks fell short in the final moments, as the Saints' resilience and clutch play proved too much to overcome. This win marks a historic moment for the Wellington Saints, who have now secured their 13th NBL title, further cementing their place in the annals of New Zealand basketball history. The victory was celebrated by the team and fans alike, with the Saints' players reveling in the hard-fought triumph.