The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks return to the Tank this Sunday looking to build on their impressive opening victory over Caledonia Gladiators. Leicester Riders are the visitors, with Rob Paternostro’s side bringing a new signing and plenty of motivation to their first meeting with the Sharks this season.
Atiba Lyons’ men gave SharkNation plenty to cheer about in their 98–76 win over the Gladiators. Maceo Jack led the way with 25 points, Adrian Delph added 21 and Sean Bairstow contributed 18, while new arrivals Prince Onwas and Lu’Cye Patterson made their first appearances in Sharks colours.
With two weeks between fixtures, Sheffield have had valuable time to bring those additions further into the group. Sunday provides the next opportunity to turn that work into another strong performance on home territory.
Tickets: Secure your seat at the Tank
The Opposition
Leicester opened their campaign with defeats at Cheshire Phoenix and London Lions, but the scorelines tell only part of the story.
The Riders put up 94 points at Cheshire, shooting 57% from the field and making 10 of their 19 three-point attempts. They then showed their resilience in London, recovering from a 20-point third-quarter deficit to finish just five points short in a 71–66 defeat.
Those performances offer a clear reminder that Sheffield cannot afford to switch off. Leicester have already shown they can score efficiently and fight their way back into a game, even against the league’s early pace-setters.
The Riders host Bristol Flyers on Friday evening before heading to Sheffield for the second half of their weekend double-header.
A New Face for the Riders
Leicester have strengthened their options with the addition of Coventry-born forward Callum Lawson. The 6’6” former Great Britain international arrives after a season with Valur in Iceland, where he averaged 14.6 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Lawson brings experience from Iceland, Germany and Sweden, and has already spent time training with the Riders during pre-season. His familiarity with the group could help him settle quickly, although his availability remains subject to registration.
The addition comes as Leicester confirmed that forward Trent Johnson faces a spell on the sidelines following an injury in practice.
Ones To Watch
Thomas Hurley – A scoring threat who led all players with 23 points at Cheshire, making seven of his nine shots. Hurley averaged 14.5 points across Leicester’s opening two league games, and the Sharks will want to limit the clean looks that helped him get going against the Phoenix.
Deante Johnson Jr – Another player averaging 14.5 points through those first two fixtures, alongside 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. His contribution at both ends makes him an important matchup as Sheffield look to establish themselves around the basket.
Shark Bites
Jack, Delph and Bairstow combined for 64 points in the Sharks’ opening win over Caledonia.
Bernard Pelote led Leicester’s rebounding through their first two games with 7.5 boards per outing, while Jaylin White averaged 6.5 assists.
Keeping Leicester to one shot per possession and controlling their perimeter opportunities will be important if Sheffield are to build on their winning start.
SharkNation
The opener gave us a taste of what this Sharks group can do. Now it’s time to get behind the guys again as another familiar rival arrives at the Canon Medical Arena.
There’s more to enjoy away from the action too, with Luky D performing at half-time, through our partnership with Sheffield music organisation Tracks.
Bring the noise, back the boys and help make the Tank a tough place to visit. Tip-off is 4.00pm this Sunday.
Book your tickets now – it’s time to #FearTheFin!
