History made as JackJumpers win first-ever NBL title
Tasmania's American import was the star of the show in game five, putting forward 'one of the great first halves' ever seen, according to Andrew Gaze.
Moderated by Tomas Kauer 
With one second remaining in game five of the NBL championship series, Melbourne United's Matthew Dellavedova had the chance to sink a winner from halfway.
He missed. And so the Tasmania JackJumpers claimed their first-ever NBL title with an 83-81 victory.
It's an incredible feat for the state, having entered the competition only three seasons ago.
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American import Jordon Crawford was the star, scoring 20 points in the first quarter with Australian basketball great Andrew Gaze full of praise.
"One of the great first halves we've seen from an individual in a championship series," he said on ESPN.
Game five brought the series down to the wire with both sides winning two matches each.
Melbourne scored a 104-81 victory in game one before Tasmania hit back 82-77 in the second.
A miracle three-point shot two seconds from the buzzer by Jack McVeigh handed Tasmania a 93-91 win in game three.
Game four was another nail-biter with Melbourne winning 88-86.
Tasmania had to dig deep early with Melbourne leading 31-26 in the first quarter.
The scores were all tied up at 44-44 after the first half before United stole the lead again in the third quarter at 63-59.
The JackJumpers saved their best for last though, rallying to put on 24 points in the final quarter, delivering an 83-81 win.
Post-game Crawford, who finished with 32 points, put his side's incredible fightback down to a simple mindset.
"That's what it's about, Jacky basketball, never giving up, fighting until the end, great drive, this one's for Tassie," he said.
An emotional JackJumpers coach Scott Roth dedicated the win to Tasmania's passionate home fans with a strong number of supporters making the trek to Melbourne's John Cain Arena for the decider.
"Island defended ... I'm really happy for our staff, obviously for our players but more importantly for Tasmania," he said.
"We defended the island for you, it was our motto, we fought like hell and we're coming home with the trophy."https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1774335623752749490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
McVeigh was announced the Larry Sengstock Trophy winner for Most Valuable Players of the series.
"I'm just so grateful for so many people, so many people. Epic," McVeigh said post-game.
"They (the fans) trusted in me, listen to them, it's crazy."
