CROSS OVER DRIBBLE

NBL RD 13 – Revenge of the Bullets led by their only hope

It’s the final game of a four game home stretch for the Adelaide 36ers but after Tuesday night’s result – Sobey-one has rediscovered his “Jedi” like form and is leading a revenge of the Bullets into the City of Churches to continue to shape this post Christmas logjam…

Help us Sobey-one, your their only hope: Nathan Sobey rediscovered his "Jedi" basketball power against the Wildcats in a huge performance Tuesday night - the Sixers will need to be wary - Photo credit to news.com/NBL/Perth Now

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4-Minute Read

NBL ROUND 13

Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets

When: 7:00pm (ACDT), Thursday 29 December

Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre – The Ken Cole-seum

Broadcast: Kayo Freebies, ESPN, www.nbl.com.au

LTTM: Adelaide 36ers 108 (Franks 25, Cleveland 20, Drmic 16, Sotto 13, Dech 10) defeated Brisbane Bullets 77 (Cadee 18, Gak, Mitchell, White 12, Bach 8) at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre

SWOOP BACK IN HISTORY

King Cole rises Sixers to Game One clincher

The 1986 NBL Grand Final series (the first time the three game series was played) got off to an absolute cracker in Brisbane with an overtime thriller. A game featuring the cream of the NBL – the Bullets with Danny Morseu, Cal Bruton, Ronnie Radliff, John Dorge and Leroy Loggins. The Sixers also had their famous lineup of Green, McKay, Pearce, Davis and Bill Jones who was clutch down the stretch.

A high scoring final in the 48 minute era of the Australian game…

Have a watch of the final ten minutes of this all-time classic NBL matchup between these two…

Credit: DJ Clint Dogg – www.ClintDogg.com Clint Dogg (DJ Clint Dogg)

Big shots, charges and legends of the game – this 1986 NBL Grand Final Game One is an absolute classic

Key Matchups

Ian Clark vs Jason Cadee

Okay its been confirmed that NBL championship winner Clark will play minutes tonight after sitting and observing against the Phoenix on Christmas Eve. To reiterate Clark averaged 12.91 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2 assists. The impact he has off the pine is eagerly anticipated to see how much he can tie down someone who has enjoyed the Sixers in his short stint in NBL23.

Cadee was very good against the Sixers last time and the shining light in their last encounter. 18 points at 58.3 percent but took just the 12 shots. On Tuesday against the Wildcats he took seven attempts for his 10 points but they were all from beyond the arc – the Bullets had 39 attempts. He needs to let that thing fly a little more to get his team rolling early.

Sunday Dech vs Nathan Sobey

Opportunity and moments Dech seizes on as he’s found himself back in the starting five and in a role that works for him – go and stop the best scoring opposition guard. He did that Sobey last time they met sitting essentially toe-to-toe to him on coverage – not a show the former Sixer wants to experience again.

Sobey was back to his best on Tuesday night with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists – it was the charity stripe that got him going. He was a perfect 12 of 12 from there whereas against the Sixers he got their for two of two only. Sobey gets his energy from getting on the rim early so Sixers again need to watch out for him getting the ball on the move and getting a clear path to the rim.

Daniel Johnson vs Gorjok Gak

Will DJ start on the bench tonight again? Is this the new norm? The body language and the production the Sixers are getting from him the last two games says it could be. Johnson is averaging 14 points in his last two games coming off the pine compared to his season average of 11.9. In some ways its a blessing in disguise for everyone in this team, Johnson can sometimes be the focal point of the offence in the starting lineup and thats potentially better suited to a lineup of Clark, Drmic, Harris and Galloway. You have the offensive potency but don’t lose the defensive edge – but the key is Sotto and his ability to impact defensively early in games for the Sixers to keep doing that.

And thats where Gak who’s hit some big form can really cause some problems. His last month he’s averaged 10.2 points, 7.4 rebounds in an increase of six minutes per game. He’s looked lively and energetic and has seized his opportunity against opposition under a new lease of life under coach Greg Vanderjagt.

THREE QUESTIONS TO SWOOP ON

What does Ian Clark bring and where does he fit in tonight’s game?

I anticipate he’ll play between 15-20 minutes now that he has his legs back under him in. The likely timing is around the later part of each quarter for McCarron with the Sixers running a Clark, Drmic, Cleveland/Dech combo against the Bullets. Clark will slip into the second point guard position but also in future games into the fourth quarter closer positions with the skipper and AC.

Krebs and Johnson have returned – how important are they to the Bullets?

The stats tell the story. Krebs did all the team things to collect 15 points, 5 rebounds and had a plus minus of 14. Johnson brings NBA experience and while he hasn’t fire to the levels of expectation I think we all had – he’s doing bit of everything for this team with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists against the Wildcats.

How do the Sixers make sure they aren’t complacement considering their last result?

The reality is the Sixers can’t afford to be cause although they are raging favourites tonight – the Bullets win over the Wildcats on Tuesday must be capitalised on. The big new years eve clash looms in Cairns but if they can’t win this one then that matchup creates more pressure on a club that needs to win a majority of its final run home to may the play-ins or maybe even the top four.

So who wins?

The Sixers have fate in their hands still this season and taking care of games like tonight needs to be just the norm. Make no mistake though now the Bullets have some stability with a win and a secured head coach for rest of season (plus a additonal assistant in Pero Cameron that will be a head coach in this NBL league in the future) they will be a much tougher proposition than few weeks ago.

At full strength and “needing” the win to get ahead of the logjam – the Sixers should win their fourth win in a row and setup the New Years Eve clash for a fifth against a vulnerable Cairns team.

COD Prediction: 36ers by 15 points

Catch all the action tonight at the arena on Cluch Radio with Tristan “TP” Prentice and our special comments guest whether you’re at the game or watching from home

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WNBL RD 8 – Post Christmas test awaits Lightning from spirited Bendigo

If the Adelaide Lightning are to feature in the playoffs conversation in the second half of the season – tonight’s huge matchup against the Bendigo Spirit will determine whether the Lightning’s Christmas future belongs there.

But the Griffin ghost of Christmas past matchup hangs over their last loss…

The ghost of Christmas past: Kelsey Griffin was the difference the last time they met and will once again need to be quelled in this matchup where the Lightning need to begin making their run - Photo credit to WNBL

5-Minute Read

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WNBL ROUND 8

Adelaide Lightning vs Bendigo Spirit

When: 7:00pm (ACDT), Thursday 28 December

Where: Adelaide 36ers Arena (Formerly Adelaide/TS Arena – The Lighthouse)

Broadcast: ESPN, Kayo Sports

STRIKE BACK IN HISTORY

Giant Gahan lifts Lightning into Semis

A classic match from back in the Lightning’s last golden era in the summer of 2009 – both teams playing off in an elimination final at the Lighthouse. The game featured now WNBL stars in Cayla Francis (George) and Mia Newley (Murray) and Kelly Wilson. The Spirit came in on a seven game winning streak setting the stage for the sudden death encounter.

The opening quarter was tight with the home side leading 20-18 before the Spirit hit the lead 40-41 at the half. The Spirit shot 62 percent led by now Melbourne Boomers assistant and Opal Kristi Harrower. The Lightning made their move in the third with a 22-11 quarter led by guard Angela Marino and Francis’s flurry of triples and nullified the Spirit to 29 percent from the field. They led 62-53 to open up the biggest lead of the game.

The Lightning held it and ran out winners 81-73 in the finish. Tracy Gahan the WNBA draft pick of 2002 and experienced European centre was enormous finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists while Rebecca Duke top scored for the home side with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Harrower always kept the Spirit in the contest with 22 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds and former Lightning player who played for 13 years in the WNBL Lauren King was next best with 15 points.

2022/23 WNBL SEASON RD 6: Adelaide v Melbourne

Checkout the latest WNBL snaps from the Lightning’s last home game versus Melbourne Boomers

Key Matchups

Lauren Mansfield vs Kelly Wilson

Mansfield had just the five points – a season low for her against the Spirit in Mildura. In the Lightning’s three wins this season she averages 14 points and 6 assists so her contribution to this team can’t be underestimated.

Wilson nullified Mansfield’s influence last time and will be looking to do so again. She’s a key part of this Spirit side that can lead from the point guard position. The amount both players can dish and dime for their team is going to go a long way to determining the result of this one.

Steph Talbot vs Kelsey Griffin

Talbot has been in incredible form averaging 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and two steal per game her last two matches – she’s risen to her World Cup form. She’s going to need that again tonight after an on looker from the commentary box at that tournament tore the Lightning to shreds in Mildura.

Griffin was the difference the last time they met with 30 points, 10 rebounds, six steals and three assists – but it was the final quarter when the game needed to be broken open where she took stock. She had 13 in the final term and will need to be stopped if the Lightning are any chance tonight. It’s up to the best defender in the team Talbot to take the matchup and make it hers.

Chelsea Brook vs Alicia Froling

Brook has hit her season best form at the right time for the Lightning. I’m a huge fan of her and her game so its great to see her back to averaging 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds the last three games. She shot the ball at over 50 percent from the field so lets hope she lets that thing fly once again.

Froling has been the x-factor as I pointed out in my recent piece for pick and roll. Averaging a career high 11 points and 3.5 rebounds – she’s the perfect foil and backup to Griffin and Anneli Maley.

THREE QUESTIONS TO STRIKE ON

Are the Lightning the unluckiest team of the season?

There’s a big case building for it – the details of their record speak for themselves. They are 0-6 against the top four teams and 3-0 against the bottom four but have also held leads in final quarters against top four teams. Their average losing margin is 9.5 points meaning the Lightning have always been in every contest except the outlier the Boomers game at home. That perhaps comes down to finding those closing combinations for the Lightning in those final quarters – we’ll see what work Nat Hurst has done since the Boomers games.

How do the Spirit make sure they keep the engine of Griffin motoring?

Its a legit question as given she’s a star – she is 35 years old and needs game to game management still. The Spirit are an average 24 years of age but the starters average 30.6 which makes them one of the most experienced but also a team that could have to call on its depth in various parts of the season. The form of Froling and having Megan McKay helps Griffin stay in top form which was a question mark I had prior to the season for this team.

What did the Flyers do to stop the Spirit streak that the Lightning need to repeat?

It was about three things they mainly did at both ends of the floor. The Flyers first all limited the number of clean three point attempts for the Spirit with 19 shots and forced them to 26.3 percent. Then at their offensive end they dished 27 assists so ball movement and making the Spirit defence work the 24 second shot clock was key to wearing them down. The final thing was limiting the second chance opportunities – they only gave up three points for the match.

Its not the style of Lightning to play long clock but perhaps for patches tonight they need to.

So who wins?

The Lightning have shown they can compete this season but now is the time they have to make a move on the table – it starts with tonight’s match against the Spirit. In their favour is the fact the Spirit haven’t won at the Lighthouse since 2016 and the homeside has a 5-1 record at the venue.

If the Lightning can get this one then they can get on a big roll with some very winnable games coming up at home and away. A loss here though and they start to slip away from the top four and would be four wins behind the Flyers.

Its going to be a tight one but I’m backing the home-side who needs this more – tonight we learn plenty about where this Lightning team really are at heading to the second half of the season.

COD Prediction: Lightning by 1 point

NBL RD 12 – Creek Phoenix still stand in way of Sixers three wise wins

On the third home game of Christmas the Sixers want to send to us – their home fans and the City of Churches a third win in a row at home. But the spiritual one of the Phoenix could spoil the Sixers Christmas cheer…

On the third home game of Christmas the Sixers want to send to us: Their home fans and the City of Churches a third win in a row at home - but the spiritual one of the Phoenix could spoil the Sixers Christmas cheer - Photo credit to news.com/NBL/Perth Now

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4-Minute Read

NBL ROUND 12

Adelaide 36ers vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

When: 5:00pm (ACDT), Saturday 24 December

Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre – The Ken Cole-seum

Broadcast: Kayo Freebies, ESPN, www.nbl.com.au

LTTM: SEM Phoenix 102 (Creek 24, Kell 20, Williams 18, Qi 11, Adnam 8, Browne 7) defeated Adelaide 36ers 84 (Franks 18, Marshall 15, Dech, Johnson 10, Cleveland 9, McCarron 8) at John Cain Arena

SWOOP BACK IN HISTORY

Giddey up in Double OT

A famous second home game for the Adelaide 36ers where the next star and NBA bound rookie Josh Giddey emerged with 13 points after three quarter time and an engrossing duel between former teammates DJ and Mitch Creek.

Have a read and watch the highlights of this one…

https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/36ers-down-phoenix-in-nbl-double-overtime-ng-s-2045743

Josh Giddey showed his first glimpse of what superstar he could be in a classic double overtime thriller vs SEM Phoenix

Key Matchups

Ian Clark vs Trey Kell

How much, how little and what time new Sixers import combo guard and NBL championship winner Clark will play is anyone’s guess. Clark averaged 12.91 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2 assists. The impact he has off the pine is eagerly anticipated to see how much he can tie down someone who has enjoyed the Sixers in his short stint in NBL23.

Kell has dined out on Sixers turkey the last two times in the comforts of his club’s home. Now he has to do it on the road where he averages 11.4 points compared to the 22 points against the Sixers this season. They are contrasting records but show the danger Kell is.

Robert Franks vs Mitch Creek

Franks needs to put in another solid game tonight as his career form against Phoenix has been solid. He averages a healthy 14.2 points shooting 48 percent, 7.4 rebounds so at the offensive end thats not the issue. Its containing the main man for the opposition who is in incredible form.

Creek no doubt both hates and loves the Sixers for all the reasons we know. The former Adelaide player always brings his best to the contest averaging 22 points at 49 percent, 9.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists – he also scored over 27 points five times to boot. Creek is currently averaging 30.25 points in his last four games and it seems even when his team is down squad members – he rises to replace the numbers of others including Alan Williams (ankle) and Zhou Qi (returned home).

We knew he was good but this guy now is a very special player to witness…

Nick Marshall vs Junior Adut/Owen Foxwell

Numbers don’t always tell the story but influence in a game does – thats the case for St Nick. Marshall helped turn the momentum back in favour of the Sixers against the Jackjumpers with an important three minutes at the end of the third. Marshall had three points, two rebounds and an assist but importantly when the Jackjumpers who held a game high 56-63 lead and were about to burst the floodgates open – he helped reel back in. Marshall’s minutes saw the Sixers back into it 66-66.

He also had a season high 15 points against this team then backed it up with 10 points against the Bullets the following. He’s in confident form at the moment and only needs half a quarter to help turn a game back in the favour of his side.

The rookie rise continues when star players go down and with both Browne and Broekhoff likely not available – these two will step it up again. In the Sydney double overtime thriller they combined for 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists and played some pretty good on ball defence. They got some burn against the Bullets and will likely play a key role once again in this one.

THREE QUESTIONS TO SWOOP ON

What does Ian Clark bring and where does he fit in tonight’s game?

I anticipate he’ll play only between 10-12 minutes in this one tonight. The likely timing is around the later part of each quarter for McCarron with the Sixers running a Clark, Marshall, Cleveland/Dech combo against the Phoenix. Clark will slip into the second point guard position but also in future games into the fourth quarter closer positions with the skipper and AC.

Does Mitch Creek deserve to get another NBA shot?

In NBL23 he averages 24 points (plus four from last season) at 52 percent (plus five from last season), shoots the three ball at 35 percent (plus three from last season) – these are the areas he had to improve to get noticed again and he’s shown he can close games and now I think its more a question whether he thinks he needs to go. He’s got it pretty good here in Australia but at least a Boomers conversation for Paris needs to be had.

Are the Sixers having early christmas presents with their “Draw”?

Although you still have to win the games in front of you – they can consider themselves to be lucky they’ve drawn the teams to help them find form the way they have. If it was say the Kings, Breakers, Jackjumpers and Phoenix then that be a much tougher home run than drawing the Bullets twice and Jackjumpers and Phoenix off the back of a tight schedule for both this week.

So who wins?

The Sixers have set themselves up now with Monday nights gutsy win and have pulled the trigger on the third import and have Clark. The elements are there but this Phoenix team are deeper than some other rosters in the NBL23 and chock full of talent.

If they can nullify (cause you can’t stop Creek the way he’s going) and ride the momentum of the home fans – the Sixers can continue their run and score an early Christmas present before Santa does find out “who is Allan Browne”…

COD Prediction: 36ers by 8 points

Catch all the action tonight at the arena on Cluch Radio with Tristan “TP” Prentice and our special comments guest whether you’re at the game or watching from home

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