A colossal first-quarter performance set up the Tactix for a record-breaking 68-51 ANZ Premiership victory over the Magic in Nelson on Monday night.
Rebounding from a loss the previous week at the same venue, the Tactix poured on the points in the first spell to lead 22-11 and their 17-goal winning margin was the largest in the franchise's 14-year history (their previous best was 14 goals back in 2009). It was also the largest goal total in their history.
While the Magic's connections finally clicked by the third quarter, which they won by two, spearheaded by captain Sam Winders, the Tactix picked up the pace again in the final phase. Goal defence Karin Burger was the standout player of the match – snaffling six intercepts and eight deflections – and making life miserable for the Magic attack.
The Tactix completely dominated the first quarter, making barely an error on defence or attack.
With Ellie Bird back from her concussion stand-down, and Te Paea Selby-Rickit in super form, the Magic circle defenders - missing the long levers of Temalisi Fakahokotau – found it difficult to close the Tactix down.
On attack, the Magic also had problems, struggling to make their passes stick under pressure from the Tactix defence.
With Jane Watson and Burger surrounding Magic goal shoot Caitlin Bassett, goal attack Chiara Semple wasn't afraid to turn to the hoop and shoot when she got the ball in her hands.
Erana Mikaere and Winders hustled the Tactix attack, but with Selby-Rickit giving a masterclass in feeding Bird, there was little they could do to stop the Tactix scoring.
By the end of the first quarter, the Tactix' 22 goals were the equal highest total by their franchise in an ANZ Premiership match.
It was a much more even second quarter, though, as the Magic defence stepped up and forced the Tactix to really work hard to supply their shooters, and markedly slowed down the rate of the Tactix' accumulation.
They won some crucial ball on defence but getting the ball into Bassett and new goal attack Khiarna Williams still proved a mission. Especially up against Burger, who was a constant thorn in the Magic's side, snaring five intercepts in the first half.
Having shot 28 from 35, Bird left the court just before halftime, with Kate Grant entering the game at goal attack. But by then, the Tactix were comfortably ahead, 35-22.
Bird was back for the start of the third quarter, with the Magic also making a change, bringing the energetic Georgie Edgecombe on at wing defence.