Final Report Card: Moncton Magic
The Moncton Magic began their season with a ten-game winning streak, the first team to do so in NBL Canada history. After that, it seemed obvious from the start how the 2018-19 season was going to end.
Moncton's ability to dominate possession and ruthless offence made them the team to beat in the season - there was only a brief period when they did not lead the league. They went on to set franchise records, most home wins and highest winning average, and they sealed a playoff place long before any other team.
The Magic had plenty of quality offensive players in their ranks, while the addition of Trey Kell mid-way through the season only made them more of a force to be reckoned with. Kell made an immediate impact with the team, finishing the season with 21.6 points and 7.7 rebounds in 27 games and scooped up the top post-season prize.
After making short work of the Saint John Riptide in the first round of the playoffs, they nearly saw their season come to an abrupt end at the hands of the Halifax Hurricanes in the second round. However, winning game seven 85-82 they booked their spot in the Finals.
Anyone expecting a long Finals series would be disappointed, as Moncton swept the St. John's Edge to claim their first NBLC title - the inevitable and well-deserved end to their record-breaking season.
What They Did Right: Moncton came into the season with a winning mentality and a game plan that saw everyone playing a part, with their skills and abilities best utilised. The short answer, though, is they were just unstoppable. Some things you can't really explain.
What They Could Have Done Better: If there was a flaw to pick with Moncton this season, they weren’t the best team in field shooting and rebounding, but that didn’t seem to hold them back at all - and given the final results it doesn’t really matter.
MVP: It's hard to pick just one player. Even if it came down to it, it would be hard to separate Billy White and Corey Allmond - both played a big part in Moncton's success this season and were top offensive players in all of the NBLC in 2018-19.
Final Thoughts: Moncton Magic's performance in 2018-19 is a great example of how you become a top basketball team - you have a plan and stick to it. You make everyone on the team play to their strengths and not dwell on what's going wrong, instead what's going right. It obviously worked out for them as well.
