CROSS OVER DRIBBLE

 

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

Perth Wildcat Nick Kay quietly accumulated points, rebounds and assists to again under the radar guide his team to a tough road win - Photo by The Wave 91.7

THE WRAP Q BY Q

Eric Griffin got the Sixers going early with eight early points but “Super” Dario Hunt was dominating early for the Wildcats bullying the Sixers big men in the post. Both big men were putting on a post dunk show but the Sixers were being destroyed on their glass early giving up plenty of cheap offensive rebounds. While DJ arrived early this week for also eight early points before first Kevin then Terrico White dropped deep triples with the Sixers leading by 25-22 at quarter time.

Jerome Randle opened the second with a big bucket but the Wildcats were turning it into their usual grind and were playing boring but brilliant fundamental basketball. Hunt dropped another dunk on the Sixers post defence but the Sixers charged back through DJ and Ramone Moore to sneak out by a couple of buckets before Terrico dropped a triple. Both teams continued to trade baskets but with Cotton stranded only on 2 points for the half, the Sixers went into halftime leading 46-45.

The Sixers gave up three offensive boards to open the third as it became a three point party with Randle, Griffin, Kay and alarmingly the Sixers allowing Cotton to drop an early one as well. While the Sixers offence was flowing okay it was the other Kay exposing the Sixers defensive poor transition in the quarter. The highlight of the quarter for Adelaide was a behind the back dribble from McVeigh before a sweet dish to Drmic for the and1 reverse layup finish. The Wildcats however snuck away on the back of a shocking turnover from Harry Froling then a steal off Daniel Dillon, the Wildcats taking the ascendancy 71-76 at the end of three.

The Wildcats got the jump on the Sixers via Cotton and Kay before Randle inserted himself to the game and the Wildcats lead. An undisciplined unsportsmanlike foul highlighted Griffin’s defensive lapses giving the Wildcats breathing room before DJ beat the clock and Randle dropped a huge triple to bring it back to a single bucket. The Sixers had the stop that could have setup an offensive push but Martin reeled in the outlet pass from Anthony Drmic to setup a play that allowed Cotton to kick his legs out on a three point attempt to coax his way off Kyei to the stripe. Martin also grabbed a big offensive rebound before Super Dario popped up again for his best game of NBL20. Martin put another stamp on the game defensively blocking an open layup from Randle off the inbound but despite chances to Moore, McVeigh and the Sixers they couldn’t edge their way back into the match dropping their second home game in a row 95-99.

COACH SPEAK

Sixers Coach Joey Wright while disappointed with the result was mildly pleased with winning the key stats, “I thought tonight we played a pretty good game. We won all the key stats and it was just that they made the big plays when it counted, You can’t knock our attitude tonight, the hustle stuff and our defence was really good and we did a great job of controlling Bryce Cotton, we aren’t too far away.”

Perth coach Trevor Gleeson once again praised Martin for his late game heroics and crucial influence at the defensive end. “He’s (Martin) been doing that for years. He’s got a unique ability to have an influence on the game even without scoreboard pressure. A few years ago he won the finals MVP with his defensive efforts and he always steps up at the right time.”

DO THE STATS LIE?

The Sixers arguably had their best quarter of the NBL season in the third beyond the perimeter dropping four of nine at 50 percent which kept them in the contest. The Sixers also had 21 offensive rebounds for the game but despite the extra opportunities only could manage 45.5 percent from the field. They also only scored 7 points from turnovers and it was one of the first games of the season where none of the Sixers bench hit double figures.

The Wildcats Hunt dropped 16 first half points before Kay took over with in the second half with 12 of his 21 points. As mentioned before the Sixers held Cotton to 2 points at half time but crucially scored 16 points in the second half including 10 in the third to break open the Sixers tight lockdown on him. In the last two minutes, Martin had one steal, one offensive rebound and one block completing the trinity of defence in the last quarter.

WHATS NEXT FOR THE SIXERS

The Sixers have missed another golden opportunity to climb the ladder by holding their home fort but once again the glaring weaknesses in our lineup was rim protection at the defensive end for 40 minutes. I hope Joey is having a heart to heart with Griffin about his defence focus for the full game which needs to be at the same level as Drmic and McVeigh otherwise the Sixers could be looking at an import change soon. I like what Griffin brings and certainly he’s more all-rounded than Jacob Wiley but he simply needs to do more defensively to let DJ, well be DJ as Joey said.

Next up the Phoenix tomorrow night in Melbourne which I’m not sure we can get considering how close they got to United and the recent surge in form of import Keith “I’m here a little longer with my supposed packed bags” Benson and then a tough home game against the Breakers where Brandon Ashley could be the next import to destroy the Sixers front court. It’s not complete alarm bells yet but if they drop another two in a row before the end of November, Griffin could have his torched snuffed and be out of the ever rolling game of import Sixers Survivor…

Best advice for Eric, outplay at the defensive end, outwit on the offensive end and outlast many Sixers import big men that haven’t made it this far…

ADELAIDE 36ERS 95 (RANDLE 23, D JOHNSON 21, GRIFFIN 18) LOST TO PERTH WILDCATS 99 (KAY 21, HUNT 19, COTTON 18, T WHITE 14)

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