19
Dec
Snap Recap
Million dollar baby: New dad McVeigh drops 47
Jack McVeigh of the Taipans reacts during the round 13 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans at Cairns Convention Centre on December 19, 2025, in Cairns. Photo: Emily Barker/Getty Images
Highlights
New father Jack McVeigh poured in 47 as Cairns survived a late scare to beat New Zealand 99–95.
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New father Jack McVeigh scorched the New Zealand Breakers for 47 points - the second most points in a game in Taipans history - as Cairns withstood a minor meltdown in the last two minutes to win 99-95 in Round 13 of NBL26.
The Taipans turned the ball over, Andrew Andrews fouled out on a technical foul but McVeigh, who signed with the Taipans on a $1M deal this season, knocked down a pair of free throws with 10 seconds left to make in 99-95. It's McVeigh's new career high.
Cairns was up by 10 with 1:50 to go.
"Shout out the baby at home, it's been a big week," McVeigh said on the floor at the end of the game.
"Glad to get the win.
"Honestly, I’ve been sleeping pretty well. I’m a heavy sleeper. We’re bed-sharing and I’m out cold. I asked my wife if he even cried last night and she said yes. I slept through it.
"I just feel like I’m continuing to get better at basketball. People talk about becoming a new dad changing your perspective, and it sounds corny, but I felt that shift years ago with my wife. The pressure being taken away from the game already happened for me.
"I love my son, obviously, but I’m in a good spot. My wife is amazing and always prioritises basketball. Nothing too crazy – I just feel like I’m getting better.
"And just to be clear, I love my wife too. I don’t want to get in trouble."
McVeigh was unstoppable, pouring in 47 points on elite efficiency to power Cairns home in a game that featured 11 lead changes and swings of momentum across all four quarters. The Taipans trailed after the opening term but surged ahead in the second quarter, then absorbed a Breakers third-quarter push before closing strongly with a 30–23 final term.
"It’s good fun," McVeigh said.
"I’ve been working on my bag for as long as I can remember. For the majority of my career I’ve been more of a play finisher – sitting at the end of plays, running into hand-offs or getting something drawn up with three seconds left on the shot clock.
"Coming here, the amount of reps you get in training and in games helps you improve at such a rapid rate if you put the hours in. Every day I feel like I’m getting better at basketball faster than I ever have because of the reps.
"I love getting better at basketball, and tonight I got so many reps out there. I had a lot of fun doing that."
New Zealand stayed within striking distance throughout, led by Sam Mennenga’s interior scoring and Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s playmaking, but Cairns’ shot-making late — particularly from McVeigh — proved decisive.
The Taipans shot 55.2% from the field and won the rebounding battle 41–33, offsetting 15 turnovers to secure a four-point home win.
Key Performers
Cairns Taipans
- Jack McVeigh – 47 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
16–21 FG | 6–8 3PT | 9–9 FT - Sam Waardenburg – 16 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists
- Marcus Lee – 15 points, 4 rebounds
7–7 FG - Mawot Mag – 6 points, 4 rebounds
New Zealand Breakers
- Sam Mennenga – 24 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
- Izaiah Brockington – 17 points
7–10 FG - Parker Jackson-Cartwright – 12 points, 11 assists
- Rob Baker II – 11 points
Team Stats Snapshot
Cairns Taipans
- FG: 37–67 (55.2%)
- 3PT: 8–26 (30.8%)
- FT: 17–22 (77.3%)
- Rebounds: 41
- Assists: 27
New Zealand Breakers
- FG: 37–74 (50.0%)
- 3PT: 8–26 (30.8%)
- FT: 13–21 (61.9%)
- Rebounds: 33
- Assists: 21
