Creek, Adnam, Wetzell Star in First Pre-Season Game

Phoenix and Bullets fans alike were treated to a high-pace, high-scoring return to competitive NBL action on Friday night on the Gold Coast.

Dominant performances from Phoenix trio Mitch Creek, Kyle Adnam and Yanni Wetzell fell just shy of overpowering the home side in the first pre-season game for each club, with Brisbane running out 108-98 winners.

Playing in front of a live crowd was a refreshing change for both sides after a lonely off-season, and the intensity of the contest rose to the occasion.

A flurry of big-time buckets from Kyle Adnam early in the last quarter looked like getting the Phoenix over the line before Harry Froling and the Bullets found an extra gear to hold on.

Mitch Creek was at his relentless best, pouring in 31 points (12-17 shooting), 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in an ominous sign for the rest of the league.

Newly appointed co-captain Kyle Adnam stepped up to the plate and dismantled the Bullets on the offensive end, dropping 26 points including 5-5 from three-point range in just 24 minutes of action.

(Adnam played a starring role on the night)

Adnam’s shooting, quickness and craftiness shone, living up to the heightened expectations on the guard heading into NBL21.

Boom college recruit Yanni Wetzell (20 points and 6 rebounds) was a force in the paint all night and threw down two eye-catching dunks to start the game and instantly earn some love from the Phoenix faithful.

Development players Tristan Forsyth and Izayah Le’afa both showed promising signs in their first NBL appearances, each hitting multiple timely shots down the stretch of the tight tussle.

Reuben Te Rangi started at small forward and was used in a point forward role by coach Simon Mitchell, often handling the ball and setting up teammates with open looks.

The Phoenix will look to bounce back in the second pre-season game with Brisbane on Sunday afternoon at 1pm AEDT.

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (18/12/2020)