BIO: Marcus Timmons was born in Dexter, Missouri (USA) and attended Scott County Central High School in Sikeston, where he starred on one of the most dominant prep teams in the state’s history. He led Scott County Central to a 130–3 record and a Class 1-A state championship across his four-year career, earning Missouri’s top high school basketball honor, Mr. Show-Me Basketball, in 1991.

FAMILY: He is the uncle of NBA player Otto Porter Jr.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Marcus Timmons made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at 24 years of age. He scored 30 points in his first game.

1996
After losing head coach Alan Black and leading scorer and rebounder Melvin Thomas, the Hawks looked to rebuild in 1996. With Thomas and Black departing for Sydney, incoming coach Brendan Joyce recruited forward Marcus Timmons (via the United States). Timmons emerged as one of the Hawks’ leading players, helping replace the scoring and rebounding the club had lost. Timmons (21.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks across 26 games) led the Hawks in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks, but the team struggled and finished 10th with a 9-17 record.

Veteran import Andre LaFleur (18.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists) recorded career-low averages in his sixth season. Long-serving Hawks guard Greg Hubbard (6.0 points in 16 minutes per game) battled a back injury and retired after the season; his minutes were a career low.

1997
After losing game three of the 1996 Grand Final to South East Melbourne 107-70, Melbourne entered 1997 without long-time import Dave Simmons and Vince Hinchen. Lindsay Gaze retained Andrew Gaze, Lanard Copeland, Mark Bradtke, Ray Gordon, Blair Smith, Warrick Giddey, Daniel Egan, Damien Chapman and Erik Wickstrom, while Jarvis Lang replaced Simmons, Brett Jeffries was added and Brett Rainbow returned after sitting out the previous season.

Melbourne’s season began poorly. Bradtke returned from a short stint with the Philadelphia 76ers after missing the opening three games, only for a victory over Adelaide to later be stripped from the Tigers because his clearance paperwork had not been completed. Lang also battled serious knee problems and, after Melbourne slipped to 3-9, fans and media began putting pressure on Lindsay Gaze. The Tigers decided to release Lang and look for another import, with the replacement emerging almost by accident when North Melbourne coach Brett Brown spotted former Illawarra forward Marcus Timmons in a Wollongong hotel lobby. Andrew Gaze later recalled, “They’d just finished a game and he said, ‘I’ve just been in the lobby at the hotel and Marcus Timmons has just walked by, and if you’re looking for someone quick at least you know he is in the country’.” After one trial practice, Melbourne signed Timmons (via Illawarra), following Timmons’ strong 1996 season (21.9 points and 12.3 rebounds per game).

In his first Melbourne appearance against Newcastle at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on 28 June, Timmons (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists) contributed as the Tigers won 98-87. Gaze (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Bradtke (24 points and 13 rebounds) provided the main support, while Scott McGregor (25 points) led Newcastle.

Timmons (17.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks across 22 games) immediately gave Melbourne the athleticism, rebounding and defensive versatility it had been missing, starting every game after joining the team and appearing in all 22 remaining games. Copeland later said, “We got him in there and he made the difference. He was that missing link.” He added, “Marcus could do it all. He could rebound, he could bring the ball down the court, he could shoot from outside, he could defend better than anyone we had on the team.”

One of Timmons’ strongest all-round games came against Newcastle on September 6, where Timmons (25 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 5 blocks) helped Melbourne defeat the Falcons 120-112 at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre. Gaze (38 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Copeland (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the scoring around him, while Tonny Jensen (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Newcastle’s leading scorer.

Timmons’ best regular-season scoring game came against Perth at Melbourne Park on September 20, where Timmons (26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks) made 12-of-22 shots and did not commit a turnover as Melbourne defeated the Wildcats 107-98. Gaze (35 points and 9 assists) and Copeland (23 points and 6 rebounds) provided support, while Todd Lichti (28 points and 8 rebounds) led Perth.

The addition of Timmons transformed Melbourne’s season, with the Tigers recovering from 3-9 to finish second at 19-11 behind South East Melbourne and winning their final 14 regular-season games. Gaze (30.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.4 steals across 35 games) led the NBL in scoring for the 12th time, won his seventh Most Valuable Player award and earned All-NBL First Team honours, while Copeland (23 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 35 games) remained Melbourne’s second major scorer. Bradtke (20.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 30 games) joined Gaze on the All-NBL First Team, while Smith (5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds across 33 games) provided additional frontcourt depth. Lindsay Gaze was named NBL Coach of the Year.

Melbourne received a first-round bye before opening the semifinals against North Melbourne at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre, where Timmons (16 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) helped the Tigers defeat the Giants 107-99. Gaze (39 points and 10 assists) and Bradtke (25 points and 15 rebounds) led Melbourne, while David Stiff (24 points) was North Melbourne’s leading scorer.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Timmons (a season-high 28 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block on 11-of-15 shooting) starred as Melbourne defeated North Melbourne 112-105 and completed the semifinal sweep. Gaze (34 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Bradtke (26 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided the other major contributions, while Darryl McDonald (27 points) led the Giants.

The Grand Final opened against defending champion South East Melbourne at Melbourne Park, where Timmons (24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) made 10-of-15 shots as Melbourne overwhelmed the Magic 111-74. Copeland (29 points and 6 rebounds) and Gaze (23 points and 9 assists) led the Tigers around him, while Frank Drmic (12 points and 11 rebounds) was South East Melbourne’s best.

South East Melbourne responded in game two, where Timmons (11 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) again recorded a double-double, but Chris Anstey (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Drmic (16 points and 5 rebounds) helped the Magic win 84-78 and level the series. Copeland (28 points) and Gaze (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Melbourne.

Game three returned to Melbourne Park, where Timmons (20 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) helped Melbourne defeat South East Melbourne 93-83 and win its second NBL championship. Copeland (26 points and 6 rebounds), Gaze (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Bradtke (21 points and 11 rebounds) led the Tigers, while Tony Ronaldson (26 points) was South East Melbourne’s leading scorer. Giddey produced several crucial late plays, including a hard foul which broke Sam MacKinnon’s nose, a block on Drmic and a mid-court screen on Mike Kelly, while Copeland (27.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game on 56% shooting across the series) was named Grand Final MVP.

A great Australian sporting rivalry!! pic.twitter.com/qVrlKwROkN— RANDOM HOOPS (@HoopsRandom) March 21, 2023

1998
Melbourne was able to return with its entire Grand Final roster intact. While the Tigers had surprised the league in 1997, with a 17-game winning streak and an NBL championship, in 1998, the team fell far short of expectations. In hindsight, several Tigers veterans were entering the later stages of their careers with Andrew Gaze and Lanard Copeland (both aged 33), Ray Gordon (aged 32), and Warrick Giddey (aged 30) among the team’s older players. Bradtke (aged 28) and Timmons (aged 26) were the younger members among Melbourne’s high-scoring regulars. Melbourne would start the season slowly, winning four of their first ten games, but head into the playoffs on a four-game winning streak, finishing in fifth place (16-14). Brisbane finished fourth at 16-14 and had home-court advantage for the opening elimination final. The Bullets’ leading contributors included Woodberry (26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals), Loggins (17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals), Chuck Kornegay (16.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks), and CJ Bruton (15.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.8 steals).

In elimination-final game one at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on 12 June 1998, Timmons (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal) supported Gaze (34 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), but Woodberry (24 points and 10 rebounds) helped Brisbane win 93-80.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park on 14 June, where Copeland (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists), Bradtke (20 points and 6 rebounds), and Gaze (18 points) led the Tigers. Loggins (27 points) and Kornegay (18 points) helped Brisbane win 114-81, sweeping the series and ending Melbourne’s title defence.

Gaze (31.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.4 steals) would lead the league in scoring, be included in the All-NBL first team and earn his eighth and final league MVP in a year where the Tigers slowly began to fade away from championship contenders from this season onwards.

The core group of Lanard Copeland (22.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals), Mark Bradtke (15.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks), Ray Gordon (4.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) and Warrick Giddey (3.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists) all saw their numbers decline from the previous season while Timmons (19.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals across 32 games) improved on his previous season.

1998/99
With the NBL changing its schedule to become a summer sport in 1998, Melbourne mounted another strong season with much of its established roster. Gaze (33.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists), Lanard Copeland (25.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists), Marcus Timmons (20.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks across 30 games) and Bradtke (17.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 blocks) combined to average 97.3 points per game.

Melbourne finished second with a 17-9 record and faced Brisbane in the quarterfinals, seeking revenge for the previous season’s playoff elimination.

In quarterfinal game one at the Brisbane Convention Centre on 19 March 1999, Timmons (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Melbourne with Copeland (28 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) as the Tigers won 100-85. Steve Woodberry (29 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Leroy Loggins (24 points) led Brisbane.

In game two at Melbourne Park on 25 March, Timmons (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) contributed alongside Copeland (30 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Daniel Egan (23 points and 11 rebounds) as Melbourne won 98-92 to complete a quarterfinal sweep. In semifinal game one on 2 April 1999, Timmons (31 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal on 12-of-24 shooting) led Melbourne, but the Victoria Titans prevailed 80-77. Copeland (25 points) supported Timmons, while Tony Ronaldson (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Paul Maley (16 points on 7-of-9 shooting in 22 minutes) led Victoria.

In semifinal game two, the Titans again defeated Melbourne 94-87 to complete the sweep. Mike Kelly (19 points and 7 rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting) and Ben Pepper (15 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks on 7-of-12 shooting) helped Victoria advance.

Timmons earned selection to the 1998/99 All-NBL Second Team.

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1999/00
After three seasons with the Melbourne Tigers, Marcus Timmons entered the 1999/00 campaign without an NBL contract despite having been one of the league’s most productive imports the previous season. Timmons (20.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals in 1998/99) had contributed strongly for Melbourne, earning selection to the All-NBL Second Team as the Tigers finished second with a 17-9 record before being eliminated by Victoria in the semi-finals. Having previously won a championship with Melbourne in 1997, Timmons remained an experienced and versatile forward capable of contributing at both ends of the court. Meanwhile, Perth had finished sixth (13-13) and suffered an opening-round playoff exit against Adelaide. Coach Alan Black retained captain Andrew Vlahov, Ricky Grace, Scott Fisher, Anthony Stewart, Paul Rogers and James Harvey, while Todd Lichti, James Crawford, Clinton McDaniel and Sidney Goodman were among those no longer on the roster. The Wildcats also underwent an ownership change, with Kerry Stokes handing control of the club to Vlahov and three-time NBA champion Luc Longley. After losing their opening three games, Perth recovered to become a championship contender before strengthening its roster with the midseason addition of Timmons (via Melbourne).

On 26 January, Timmons (7 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals in 24 minutes on 3-of-6 shooting, including a three-pointer) made his first Wildcats appearance against Wollongong at the WIN Entertainment Centre, contributing off the bench. Rogers (29 points and 7 rebounds) led the Wildcats’ scoring, while Grace (25 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists) directed the offence. Matt Garrison (24 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists) was Wollongong’s leading performer, but Perth held on for a 93-88 victory. The result marked the beginning of an unbeaten run through the Wildcats’ remaining regular-season games, with Timmons immediately becoming part of a rotation that had already established itself among the competition’s strongest.

Timmons (12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.4 steals across 16 games) quickly provided Perth with another reliable offensive option, appearing in all eight remaining regular-season games and each of the Wildcats’ eight playoff contests. Although Timmons’ scoring declined from his previous Melbourne season, his shooting efficiency improved. Timmons shot 53 percent from the field and connected on 38 of his 83 three-point attempts (46 percent), providing valuable outside shooting while continuing to contribute on the boards and defensively. Averaging approximately 30 minutes per appearance, he became an important part of Black’s rotation and gave Perth the versatility to use him alongside its experienced frontcourt or as another scoring option on the perimeter.

Perth’s strongest interior presence came from Rogers (18.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 blocks across 36 games), who led the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding before becoming the first player in club history to win the NBL Most Valuable Player award. He was also selected to the All-NBL First Team. Grace (14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists across 35 games) continued to direct the offence, while Vlahov (14.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 steals across 36 games) remained an influential leader and all-round contributor. Fisher (12.9 points and 6.4 rebounds across 35 games) provided further frontcourt experience, with Stewart (12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 36 games) offering additional perimeter scoring and playmaking. Harvey (8.2 points across 36 games) also increased his contribution considerably after averaging just 1.7 points during his rookie season. With several established scoring options surrounding him, Timmons was able to contribute without carrying the offensive responsibility he had held during his previous seasons in Melbourne.

One of Timmons’ strongest regular-season performances came against Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on February 5, where Timmons (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks on 5-of-8 shooting, including three three-pointers and three offensive rebounds) contributed in an impressive all-round performance. Fisher (15 points and 5 rebounds) and Rogers (14 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) provided support. Rashamel Jones (19 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals) led Cairns, but the Wildcats secured an 87-72 victory. Timmons’ combination of perimeter shooting, rebounding and shot-blocking highlighted the versatility that had made him such a valuable midseason addition.

Timmons was also involved in one of Perth’s most memorable victories when the Wildcats hosted ladder-leading Adelaide at the Perth Entertainment Centre on February 26. Trailing by 16 points at halftime against the defending champions, Perth mounted a remarkable comeback, and Timmons (7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in 25 minutes) contributed. Rogers (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and Stewart (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided support. Martin Cattalini (24 points and 4 rebounds) led Adelaide, but the Wildcats fought their way back into the contest and set up a dramatic finish. With Perth trailing by one point in the closing seconds, Grace attracted multiple defenders before finding Stewart, who made the winning basket after a pump fake and one dribble. The Wildcats completed the comeback with an 88-86 victory, maintaining their late-season momentum against a team that had eliminated Perth from the playoffs the previous season.

Perth won every remaining regular-season game following Timmons’ arrival, finishing with eight consecutive victories to secure third place with a 22-6 record. Adelaide and Townsville also finished with 22 wins and six losses, with the three teams separated by tiebreaking criteria. Having joined a team already in championship contention, Timmons had provided additional scoring, rebounding and defensive versatility during an unbeaten finish to the regular season. The Wildcats entered the playoffs looking to reach their first Grand Final since 1995, while Timmons was hoping to add a second championship to the title he had won with Melbourne three years earlier.

Perth began its quarterfinal series against West Sydney at the Whitlam Centre on March 15, where Timmons (13 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal) provided an efficient offensive contribution, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and making all three of his three-point attempts. Vlahov (15 points and 4 rebounds) and Grace (14 points and 5 assists) contributed. Derek Rucker (29 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals) controlled the contest for the Razorbacks, who defeated Perth 91-80 to take a 1-0 series advantage. The loss left the Wildcats needing consecutive victories at home to avoid another early playoff elimination.

Game two moved to the Perth Entertainment Centre on March 17, where Timmons (8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 26 minutes) contributed as the Wildcats responded with a 99-88 victory. Rogers (25 points and 18 rebounds) dominated inside, while Grace (20 points and 9 assists) provided support to help Perth establish control of the offence. Rucker (25 points and 7 assists) again led West Sydney, but the Wildcats levelled the series at one game apiece and forced a deciding contest on their home court.

The quarterfinal decider followed on March 19, with Timmons producing one of his most important performances of the postseason. Timmons (17 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, including three three-pointers and four offensive rebounds) contributed as Perth defeated West Sydney 82-74. Rogers (19 points and 12 rebounds) led Perth while Grace (15 points and 8 assists) contributed. Simon Dwight (17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks) was the Razorbacks’ leading scorer, but Perth completed a 2-1 series comeback to advance to the semi-finals. Timmons’ scoring provided valuable support in the deciding game and helped the Wildcats move beyond the opening round of the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

Perth opened its semi-final series against Townsville at the Perth Entertainment Centre on March 24, where Timmons delivered another strong all-round performance. Timmons (20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, including four three-pointers) contributed as the Wildcats secured a narrow 104-101 victory. Grace (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Perth while Vlahov (17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) contributed. Mike Kelly (29 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists) was Townsville’s leading scorer, but Timmons’ contribution at both ends helped Perth survive a closely contested opening game and take a 1-0 series lead.

Townsville responded strongly at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on March 31, defeating Perth 101-78 to force another deciding game. Timmons (11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) contributed, but struggled with his ball-handling, committing 10 turnovers as the Wildcats failed to match the Crocodiles’ intensity. Grace (16 points and 5 assists) led Perth, while Rogers (13 points and 8 rebounds) provided support. Sam Mackinnon (23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals) was outstanding for Townsville, whose balanced attack also received strong contributions from Pat Reidy and Robert Rose. The defeat levelled the series at 1-1 and left Perth needing another road victory to reach the Grand Final.

The deciding semi-final was played in Townsville on April 2, Timmons (9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 18 minutes) contributed as the Wildcats won 104-84. He made both of his two-point attempts and converted all four free throws, providing another efficient scoring option in a balanced Perth attack. Grace (21 points and 11 assists) directed the offence, while Rogers (20 points and 12 rebounds) contributed. Rose (33 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals) delivered an outstanding performance for Townsville, but the Wildcats controlled the contest and completed a 2-1 series victory. Perth advanced to its first Grand Final since 1995, giving Timmons another opportunity to compete for an NBL championship.

Perth faced the Victoria Titans in the Grand Final, beginning with game one at Melbourne Park on April 7. Timmons (8 points and 3 rebounds in 25 minutes, including two three-pointers) contributed as the Wildcats attempted to secure an important road victory. Rogers (24 points and 20 rebounds) dominated inside, while Grace (19 points and 6 assists) contributed. Tony Ronaldson (25 points and 2 rebounds) was Victoria’s leading scorer, but Perth prevailed 84-78 to take a 1-0 series advantage and move within one victory of the championship. Although Timmons had enjoyed several strong postseason performances, his biggest contribution was still to come.

The deciding Grand Final game was played at the Perth Entertainment Centre on April 12, where Timmons produced his highest-scoring and best overall performance of the season when it mattered most. Timmons (a game-high 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals on 9-of-15 shooting, including 7-of-12 three-pointers) led Perth. With Victoria attempting to contain Perth’s experienced frontcourt, Timmons provided the decisive scoring threat from the perimeter, repeatedly punishing the Titans’ defence from long range. Stewart (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Grace (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) contributed to help the Wildcats maintain control. Darryl McDonald (25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals) led Victoria, but Perth held on for an 83-76 victory in front of approximately 8,000 supporters to complete a 2-0 Grand Final sweep. Timmons was named Grand Final MVP, becoming a two-time NBL champion after his previous success with Melbourne in 1997, as the Wildcats secured their fourth NBL title and what would prove to be their final championship at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

2000/01
Timmons (12.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 31 games) helped Perth finish third with a 21-7 regular-season record.

Perth faced Wollongong in the qualifying finals, losing the opening game 97-90 in overtime at Wollongong on 4 April 2001.

The Wildcats responded with a 106-95 home win on 7 April to level the series.

In the deciding third game in Perth on 10 April, Timmons (15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) contributed, but Wollongong won 98-88 and eliminated the Wildcats.

2001/02
This season, Marcus Timmons would return to play for the Tigers, replacing the outgoing Phil Handy (to West Sydney). Timmons (16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks across 36 games) returned to Melbourne’s rotation as the Tigers sought to improve on the previous season. Lanard Copeland (25.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals) also provided scoring following his Australian naturalisation.

Melbourne was 9-5 when Gaze suffered an ankle injury three minutes into a game against Townsville. The Tigers would then lose this game by two points (98-100) and Gaze (19.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) would miss twelve games with an ankle injury. This saw Melbourne drop from top of the ladder to fifth spot, recording 7 wins and 9 losses in Gaze’s absence. Mark Bradtke (22.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks) would step up during this time, leading the league in rebounding for a sixth time and being selected as the NBL MVP at the end of the season.

Although not fully healed, Gaze would return to the court to help the Tigers (16-14) in their Qualifying Final matchup against crosstown rivals, the Victoria Titans (21-9).

Top-seeded Victoria won qualifying-final game one 113-107 at Melbourne Park on 27 March 2002, despite Timmons (20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) contributing alongside Mark Bradtke (25 points and 10 rebounds) and Copeland (23 points).

In game two, Copeland (41 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals on 14-of-27 shooting) and Timmons (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Tigers to a 107-105 victory.

Copeland (37 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Timmons (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks) helped Melbourne win the deciding game three 103-97 to advance to the semifinals against West Sydney. Gaze (11 points across the three-game series) played while still affected by injury.

Melbourne hosted fifth-placed West Sydney (16-14) in semifinal game one on 4 April 2002. Timmons (36 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals, including nine three-pointers) and Bradtke (21 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led the Tigers to a 114-93 victory.

In game two at West Sydney on 6 April, Timmons (28 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, including six three-pointers) contributed alongside Copeland (29 points), but Derek Rucker (31 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) led the Razorbacks to a 125-109 win.

West Sydney won the decider 115-103 on 8 April despite Copeland (44 points) and Timmons (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists), ending Melbourne’s season.

This season marked the first time Gaze failed to lead the Tigers in scoring since they entered the league in 1984, yet he still managed to lead the league in free throw shooting (88.4%).

2002/03
After Melbourne’s semifinal elimination the previous season, the Tigers made several roster changes for 2002/03. Moving on were Daniel Egan (to Brisbane) and Warrick Giddey (retired), while Neil Mottram (via Perth), Greg Blake, and import Matt Rueter (both via state league basketball) were added.

The Tigers started slowly (2-4) before finding their rhythm and recording a four-game winning streak to return to the top six by round 10 (6-4). Melbourne would lose Gaze (22.1 points, 4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals) to a knee infection that saw him miss four games (one win, three losses) with David Smith (5.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) inserted into the starting lineup. When Gaze returned to the lineup he was visibly unfit and several kilograms lighter. The Tigers had also dropped out of the playoffs picture again (9-11) after losing the NBL’s leading rebounder, Mark Bradtke (17.4 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks) for six games with back and hamstring issues.

In addition to Gaze and Bradtke, the Tigers would rely on Lanard Copeland (18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals) and Marcus Timmons (13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals across 32 games) to provide the offensive punch, with Neil Mottram (10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) and Stephen Hoare (9.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) also stepping up in Bradtke’s absence.

Heading into the last round, the Tigers (14-14) needed an extra win to avoid losing the sixth spot on the ladder to West Sydney (12-16), who had the head to head advantage against Melbourne. They would defeat Illawarra (108-99) locking in a playoff spot, but then lose to Townsville (104-106) to end the regular season (15-15).

Melbourne faced first-seeded Sydney (22-8) in the qualifying finals. In game one on 8 March 2003, Timmons (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks) contributed, but the Kings won 101-89 behind Shane Heal (25 points), Kavossy Franklin (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists), and David Stiff (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks).

In game two on 10 March, Timmons (12 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) contributed as Bradtke (21 points, 20 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals), Gaze (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), and Copeland (22 points and 5 assists) led Melbourne to a 108-104 victory. Chris Williams (32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks) led Sydney, which saw the series levelled at 1-1.

The series returned to Sydney on 15 March for game three. Williams (25 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks) led the Kings to a 114-89 victory, eliminating Melbourne. Gaze, Copeland, and Bradtke were limited to 34 combined points, while Stephen Hoare (15 points and 12 rebounds) led the Tigers.

2003/04
Timmons (19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 35 games) led Cairns in its first postseason appearance as the Taipans finished sixth with a 16-17 record. Timmons won Cairns’ club MVP award.

In Cairns’ first-ever NBL playoff game on 3 March 2004, Timmons (22 points) contributed alongside Anthony Stewart (30 points), Aaron Grabau (16 points), and Chris Burgess (15 points and 9 rebounds) as the Taipans defeated Perth 103-96 at the Cairns Convention Centre.

In the next elimination game at West Sydney on 6 March, Timmons (21 points) led Cairns, but Aaron Trahair (31 points), Sam Mackinnon (28 points), and John Rillie (22 points) helped the Razorbacks win 110-88, ending the Taipans’ season.

2004/05
Timmons (14.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 15 games) began 2004/05 with Cairns. The Taipans released him during the season, and the club ultimately finished 10th with an 11-21 record.

2004/05
With New Zealand, Timmons joined the Breakers in December 2004 after Cairns released him, signing with New Zealand during the same NBL season. Timmons (9.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 17 games) contributed after joining New Zealand, which finished 11th at 9-23.

2005/06
After re-signing with New Zealand, Timmons was released before the 2005/06 regular season following injury issues. He recorded no official NBL appearances that season.

2006/07
Timmons (8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 16 games) contributed for Adelaide in 2006/07, as the 36ers finished 11th with an 11-22 record.

Marcus Timmons played eleven seasons across six NBL teams. This included the Illawarra Hawks, Melbourne Tigers, Cairns Taipans, Perth Wildcats, New Zealand Breakers and Adelaide 36ers. He averaged 16.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 308 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:

– 41st in total rebounds
– 32nd in total steals
– 29th in total blocks

HIGHLIGHTS: