Category: NBL

Adelaide 36ers vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix
When: 7:00pm (AEDT), Friday 12 December
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Broadcast: NBL TV, SBS On Demand/Viceland, Twitch TV

Last times they’ve met:

Rd 7 2019/2020: South East Melbourne Phoenix 91 (Creek 22, Roberson 21, Madgen 14, Crockett 13) defeated by Adelaide 36ers 103 (Randle 27, Drmic 21, Griffin 17, Dillon 14) at Melbourne Arena (The Fire Pit)

SIXERS SHOT BACK INTO HISTORY

Rd 3 2007/2008: Ingles returns to Adelaide 

After missing the signature of now Utah Jazz Aussie Joe Ingles, The last version of “South East Melbourne” in the Dragons pounced upon the South Aussie in their one and only NBL season as a franchise. The match up was already hotly anticipated with Shane “Hammer” Heal everyone’s favourite villain leading the black, white and red along with future and past 36ers players import Nick Horvarth, utility Nathan Herbert, combo guard Adam Gibson (DNP that night), glass man Jacob Holmes and big man Matthew Burston.

The Sixers jumped out of the blocks with a 33-28 quarter led by import Adam Ballinger (another former Victorian NBL club import with the defunct Giants mark II), before a blistering second quarter led by Ingles and Heal saw the Dragons in front at half time 48-62. The Sixers rallied in the third through veterans Lanard Copeland and Brett Maher as scores were locked away all even 81-81. The final quarter a high scoring stanza from my long memory saw Ingles light up big time as he showed everyone why he was such a touted junior with higher honours on the horizon. The Sixers however prevailed with their experience at the defensive end 115-108 in a highly entertaining contest.

Adelaide 36ers 115 (Ballinger 27, Maher 19, Copeland 14, B Davidson, Mottram 12) defeated SE Melbourne Dragons 108 (Ingles 25, Herbert 23, Heal 20, Holmes 13, Horvath 10) at Distinctive Homes Dome

Key Match-Ups (This week we focus on the Ex-Victorian Club Players versus the Ex-Sixer players)

Ramone Moore vs. Ben Madgen

First up its former Melbourne United Ramone Moore versus ex-36er Ben Madgen (anyone remember he was a rookie). Moore has to simply stand up and return to the form he was exuding before his injury and what a time than to curb someone who has literally “risen from the ashes” in Madgen. Madgen has dropped 10, 2, 14, 3, 23 and 20 points in the last month as he’s lifted his offensive outlet to 14.2 ppg. That’s a dangerous line of form for the Sixers perimeter defenders.

Anthony Drmic vs Mitch Creek

Next up it’s Anthony (although technically never played for a Victorian NBL club, his brother did of course, several in fact) Drmic versus the what I would describe the most influential 36er player since Willie Farley, in Mitch Creek. Creek has elevated his game in the last three years to another level and then added another 20 percent on top of that. He is ironically the most difficult player I believe for the Sixers to stop individually because he gets it done consistently in so many different areas. Averaging 22.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4 apg and shooting it at just under 50 percent, its clear everytime he touches the ball magic happens for the Phoenix. Easier said than done but the only way Drmic can stop Creek is to deny him the ball completely, cause when he gets the rock I don’t think we can stop him.

Daniel Dillon vs. Kyle Adnam

Did I mention that this was Ex-Sixers versus Victorian NBL clubs, well Dillon not only played for Melbourne United and the Melbourne Tigers but also you guessed it, he was on the Dragons roster in 2007/2008 as well. Now well and truly a veteran, Dillon had a breakout game that proved a huge difference maker last time they met at the fire pit with 14 points. His output versus that of the “Wild” Kyle Adnam will be a key for both teams off the pine. Adnam has lit up the Sixers multiple times including the early rounds of a few seasons ago with 8.2 ppg shooting at just under 50 percent, the Sixers must be cautious.

The Last Play

This one was marked in the calender by Sixers and Phoenix fans, players, staff and management as soon as the fixtures came out. Even without the fact that both teams need to win this one to stay in touch with the top four, this game already has drama, passion and anticipation written all over it. Sixers fans while wanting their team to win will always have a soft spot for Creek and many of his team-mates, many Adelaide fans already declaring Phoenix to be their “second team”. Don’t be surprised to hear a cheer from the fans for Creek when he is announced tomorrow but when it comes down to a tight finish, perhaps the raucous crowd may just temporarily forget that he was one of us.

Expect a high scoring copycat replica only JJ Abrams could construct of Joe Ingles return home tomorrow night from 2007/2008 season shot back in history. The Sixers with the edge at home just but grab your popcorn and sit back and watch what I believe may be one of the games of the NBL season.

(Insert MJ popcorn eating GIF)

36ers by 7pts

*This article is a duplicate of an article written for publishing for And The Foul.net and may appear before or after publishing

 

Did someone ask for a special delivery? With 24 points at 84.6 percent, 4 rebounds and a "mailman" delivery, Eric Griffin delivered for the Sixers - Photo by 7 News and connected media outlets

THE WRAP Q BY Q

The Kiwis jumped out to a 7-2 run before RJ Hampton picked up two quick fouls causing early foul trouble for the Breakers. Eric Griffin hit the scoreboard early off the pine with a few buckets then Webster hit a second triple off an awful switch call before he stuck another. We then saw one of the highlights of the night as Griffin dropped the “Mailman” on the Breakers. Webster launched another bomb from deeper than distance between Auckland and Christchurch with even bench player Jordan Ngatai was catching fire before Kevin White hit a tough floater from the baseline. The high scoring contest had the Sixers shooting the rock at 84.6 percent from the field leading 29-28 after one.

Griffin dropped a triple to open the second sparking an instant timeout from “Director of Coaching” Dan Shamir with Randle after the short interval dropped a dime before Webster going for a contested layup landed awkwardly on his ankle ruling him out of the remainder of the contest. Griffin then was fouled for a four point play drilling it in front of the Sixers bench. Randle then put Ngatai in the “Corbin Wroe Handle by Randle” clinic to open up a double digit lead. Dan Dillon found Anthony Drmic on a beautiful curl cut and another time-out was burnt by Shamir. A couple of buckets to Sek Henry and Hampton put the Breakers on a 6-0 run with time-out to Wright despite holding their double digit lead. Drmic then dropped another bomb before the Sixers forced a half court turnover, Griffin with 20 points and one miss only to halftime leading the Sixers to a commanding 60-43 lead at the half. The Sixers shooting a staggering 67 percent from the field.

Henry opened the third appropriately with a triple, then Hampton then Drmic over an outstretched Tom Abercrombie hand. DJ then rolled an and1 on the baseline, then dropped a triple before Drmic found Harry Froling for an open lay in. Finn “Diesel” Delaney dropped a triple before Griffin finally tied his season high then topped it as the Sixers led by a mammoth 21 points 90-67, the highest three quarter time score by any team in the Hungry Jack’s NBL20 Season to date.

Speaking of HJs it was provided by Henry at the stripe then Ramone Moore relishing revitalised minutes spun Henry inside out and finished with a two handed flush. The Sixers bench party began early as Alex Mudronja entered for his first NBL game helping McVeigh feed Moore to bring up the century. Obi Kyei threw down a one handed lightsaber dunk before BJ Johnson and debutant Michael Harris from the SA Premier League club Forestville Eagles took the floor. Mudronja scored his first NBL points with a left handed dribble contested layup, Harris then registered his first points from the charity stripe before a foul block which looked clean. Hampton then gave Harris the difference in pace between where he might be going with a blow by layup. Mudronja then finished a reverse layup then another one to finish with a sneaky 9 points on debut as the Sixers with Kyei dunk finished a comprehensive performance at home 117-100. The highest individual score by any team in Hungry Jack’s NBL20.

COACH SPEAK (Written from NBL Website)

Sixers coach Joey Wright was delighted with the start his side made and praised the game of Griffin especially. “Yeah I thought we did a pretty good job offensively, we played to our strengths and we chose the right shots at the right time,” Wright said. “Griffin was exceptional, defensively he was really good and I was really happy with his game and he has responded well the last couple of games.”

Breakers coach Dan Shamir was bitterly disappointed with his team’s performance for a fifth straight defeat, especially to concede 117 points even though the loss of Webster obviously stung. “We definitely expect to defend better and we must get better at this. Adelaide is a good team who like to score on transition but when you give away 30 points in every quarter that doesn’t give you much of a chance to win,” Shamir said. “I think he (Webster) is in hospital at the moment getting his ankle examined and we will wait for the results. I don’t like to focus on one thing but losing Corey and a few injuries to our players this year has been costly and it is one of the main factors for where we are on the ladder at the moment.”

DO THE STATS LIE?

The Sixers dropped no less than 27 points per quarter despite no player playing more than 22 minutes in complete dominance. The Sixers had a season high 62 bench points with eight players registering 7 points or more and the team shot the rock at 63.4 percent. Alex Mudronja scored the highest amount of points on debut as a Sixers rookie since by my recollection (bit hard to find at short notice) Tom Daly against the Sydney Kings about four-five seasons ago.

The loss of Webster to a rolled ankle was the most telling statistic during the game as it stagnated the Breakers offence. After Webster’s 14 first quarter points, the Breakers were only able to string together another 41 points in two quarters without him but did finish with 31 in the final quarter when the game opened up a little. The Breakers inside presence was a struggle with only 36 points in the paint, conceding 64 points and shot a not  great clip from the stripe of 63.3 percent in a tough night for Aotearoa.

WHATS NEXT FOR THE SIXERS

Imagine if we got that Bullets game result Friday night away from home??? The Sixers are on the cusp of the top four now and with a road double against two of the top three, it’s kind of a no lose situation right now. With the Wildcats at the Jungle and United at the Arena, the experts will have already tipped Sixers to drop both and that’s the way when we travel we like it. Please underestimate the Sixers at your own peril on the road, but if the Sixers can overcome the “influences” (interpret that as you will) and at least split 1-1, then out home run against the Phoenix and Hawks sets us up for a legit shot at being in the race for the final four. Last week the City of Churches looked like we’d be running around the wilderness for 40 NBL days and nights, now it seems we are being led to the promise land thanks to a few players taking a humbling backward step and that had the most profound impact on the team. The only thing missing in the trip to Melbourne next weekend is seeing some Giants, but we all know in the original story not everyone did 😉

ADELAIDE 36ERS 117 (GRIFFIN 24, D JOHNSON 17, DRMIC 15, RANDLE 14, MOORE 12 FROLING, MUDRONJA 9) DEFEATED NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 100 (HENRY 18, HAMPTON 15, WEBSTER 14, ASHLEY 13, DELANEY 11)

*This article is a duplicate of an article written for publishing for And The Foul.net and may appear before or after publishing

Adelaide 36ers vs. New Zealand Breakers
When: 4:30pm (AEDT), Sunday 24th November
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Broadcast: NBL TV, SBS On Demand/Viceland, Twitch TV

Last times they’ve met:

Rd 23 2019/2020: New Zealand Breakers 107 (Long 28, Richard 24) defeated by Adelaide 36ers 114 (Sobey 27) at Spark Arena (Wave City)

In Adelaide- 4 Jan 2019: Adelaide 36ers 96 (Sobey 23) lost to New Zealand Breakers 104 (Long 28, Wesley 19) at Titanium Security Arena (The Fortress)

SIXERS SHOT BACK INTO HISTORY

Rd 21 2009: Maher stamps himself literally into 36ers History

This one was probably the most memorable 36ers match against the New Zealand Breakers barring that club’s first NBL game many seasons ago. The night had all the fanfare and farewell of a club legend with the court the superstar 36ers point guard Brett Maher had graced for many years being unveiled as his very own, the Brett Maher Court.

The most famous story of the night was not the 17pts he dropped in his final game as Adelaide outlasted the Breakers 102-91 but it was the NBA distance shot that brought the house down that sealed the match in his final home game for the 36ers. This shot wrote history so much that the Brett Maher Court insignia unveiled on the night was simply replaced in emphatic sentimentality with the signature of the great champion in the very spot he knocked down that shot.

Key Match-Ups:

Jerome Randle vs. RJ Hampton

Randle has been running hot last couple of games averaging 23 points per game and contrary to many people’s opinions, he’s been getting those points through good ball movement at the offensive end of the floor. Enter probably the most important player for the Breakers defensively in Hampton who will need to shutdown Randle so Corey Webster can go to work against the Sixers back court. He has had a quiet last couple of games but if Breakers are any chance, he needs to fire to help Webster combat the firepower of the Sixers.

Anthony Drmic vs Sek Henry

Can finally say it Frank who? Anthony is now making a name for himself and we are finally seeing the potential in him come to fruition consistently week in and out. That was highlighted by a sneaky hops dunk against the Bullets Friday night. He’s been super consistent as one of the best defenders all season and also averaging 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg in an all-round performance in the NBL this season. Add his ability to light up beyond the arc and he’s a threat to the Breakers big time. That’s also the kind of player that can get off the chain for the Sixers, last year it was Patrick Richard this year it’s Sek Henry that holds that potential. Although only shooting at 25 percent if given space he’s the kind of player that can hurt the Sixers traditionally from the 45s and the corners.

Jack McVeigh vs. Finn Delaney

The one match-up I’m really look forward to is when the two energy guys match-up on each other. Both are the teams spark plugs and Delaney has given the Sixers headaches before but McVeigh is starting to get to his level and with the home court advantage I expect “jumpin” Jack to win the enthusiasm battle on and off the court.

The Last Play

They are all big games as coach Joey Wright has stated but this is a big one in terms of staying in touch with the teams above. The Sixers were desperately unlucky on one hand not to down the Bullets in the armoury but shot themselves in the foot on their rebounding giving their opponents multiple opportunities to score; They now must make amends by taking care of the Ken Cole-sseum. A loss here sees them slip away from the vastly improved Cairns Taipans and Jekyl Hyde Bullets and with desperate Breakers trying to reverse their form on and off court, this is a danger game. I do expect the Sixers to address the defensive rebounding issues and shut down the Breakers front court from getting those boards and closing out the key perimeter shooters.

It’s city round so as the City of Churches we better say some prayers for the Sixers defensive rebounding as if those issues from Friday night are not addressed, it might be more than 40 days and 40 nights the Sixers are wandering through to get to the NBL finals.

36ers by 12pts

*This article is a duplicate of an article written for publishing for And The Foul.net and may appear before or after publishing