If Game 3 of the National Basketball League Playoff Finals was anything, it was basketball theatre.
City Oilers walked away with a hard-fought 76–72 overtime victory against Namuwongo Blazers, taking a 2–1 series lead after winning Games 2 and 3. But this was not a game for the faint-hearted.
For the fans, it had everything: big shots, missed opportunities, physical battles, overtime drama and unfortunately, several questionable officiating calls.
The biggest talking point came just before overtime. City Oilers were visibly unhappy after a disputed no-call involving Nyembo Fataki and Patrick Rembert. From the Oilers’ perspective, there was contact that deserved a foul. The officials stood by their decision, and what followed was roughly two to five minutes of protest as City Oilers appeared close to refusing to return for overtime. Eventually, cooler heads prevailed, and the game continued.
And perhaps that was the turning point.
Nyembo was huge — but not enough
Nam Blazers had one of the game’s standout performers in Nyembo Fataki. He finished with 28 points and eight rebounds, constantly putting pressure on the Oilers’ defence. Anthony Chukwubuka also chipped in 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
But Namuwongo’s biggest problem was efficiency; Nyembo needed 25 shots to get his 28 points, while the Blazers collectively shot just 30% from the field, including a painful 5-for-33 from three-point range. That is simply too much offensive baggage to carry against a team like City Oil.
Nam Blazers did show fight; however, they forced City Oil into 20 turnovers and scored 21 points from those mistakes. That pressure worked, but their shooting ultimately let them down.
City Oil’s victory was far from pretty, but finals basketball rarely is.
Patrick Rembert led the Oilers with 22 points, including five three-pointers, while Germaine Roebuck added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Titus Lual also contributed 10 points, while Joel Lukoji handed out seven assists.
Most importantly, City Oil made the big plays when it mattered; they shot 36% from three, converted 10 of 20 free throws and, crucially, turned the Blazers’ turnovers into 23 points. That was a major difference.
The Oilers also showed composure after the officiating controversy. Instead of allowing the frustration to decide the game, they eventually returned to the floor and finished the job in overtime.
What went wrong?
For Nam Blazers, the answer is simple: the shooting must improve.
You cannot shoot 5-for-33 from deep in a Finals game and expect to consistently win. They also need to find ways to reduce their turnovers and give Nyembo more efficient scoring support.
For City Oil, the concern is different. They turned the ball over 20 times and were outrebounded 68–50. Those numbers scream vulnerability. Against a more efficient Blazers side, that could easily have become a defeat.
And now, Game 4
Friday 14th’s Game 4 suddenly feels massive.
City Oilers have the advantage at 2–1, but this series is nowhere near finished. Nam Blazers have already shown they can push the Oilers into uncomfortable territory, and if they can shoot better, protect the ball and get more production around Nyembo, they have every reason to believe they can level the series.
For City Oiler, the assignment is equally clear: clean up the turnovers, protect the boards and find a way to make the game less dramatic.
Because after Game 3, one thing is certain: This Finals series has officially caught fire and Game 4 on Friday, August 14, could be even hotter.