Gippsland Crowd the Ultimate Sixth Man in Epic Win

While Mitch Creek was the man of the moment, recording 46 points and 10 rebounds to get the Phoenix across the line against the Kings by one in double overtime at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon; it was the local Traralgon crowd that proved to be the ultimate sixth man in the sell-out clash.

The round 11 Indigenous Round game was already a special game for the club, with the team donning the amazing Indigenous uniform designed by Indigenous artist Shelley Ware, but being able to play in front of the Gippsland community elevated it to new heights.

The main event on the court going into double overtime was a shoot-out-like contest between players Mitch Creek and Derrick Walton Jr, but it was the Gippsland crowd that became the sixth man for the Phoenix and spurred them onto the dub.

(The crowd were Phoenix's sixth man in yesterday's win over the Kings.)

"Shout-out to the people of Gippsland; they created that event with their support for us for coming out here. The environment they created was loud; I don't think anyone could hear any call out there. The environment created the contest, which was special. Saw a couple of special performances with Walton Jr and Creek and then just a coin-flip at the end, which way it was going to go," said head coach Simon Mitchell.

The 2,700-strong Phoenix crowd waved the emotions of the game from tip-off to the final buzzer ending in a one-point win to the Phoenix.

Players, staff, and fans were amazed by how loud it was, adding to the game's atmosphere. It will be a game that won't be forgotten anytime soon.

"The crowd was absolutely crazy. The atmosphere at GRISS was like no other. Without them, I don't think we would have won that game! Anytime we get to play in the country, it means a little more for me being a Horsham kid. But Traralgon was special. The people, their knowledge of the game. How they rode every call like they were on court. They get it! They get us!" said Creek.

"The crowd was amazing. Us, as players, could barely hear our own calls and plays. It was a great environment. Me and the players loved our experience there, and hopefully, we gained lifelong fans as well," said Trey Kell.

Bringing NBL games out to regional communities allows for the making of new fans to the sport and the Phoenix. Inspiring new generations of players through the likes of Owen Foxwell, shows young fans that they too can forge a future in the sport. These games make a difference to a lot of people.

"The place was booming, and the Phoenix fans that filled up the stadium were electric. I couldn't thank the fans enough because they really helped us get over the line! I hope we can bring Phoenix basketball to Gippsland for years to come!" said Owen Foxwell.

"The crowd was absolutely electric! We had a blast playing there and want to thank our amazing fans from Melbourne to Traralgon and beyond. Thank you for being the best and loudest fans in the NBL!!!" commented Alan Williams.

"The crowd was loud! So loud it was difficult to hear on the court, but that energy really got us over the line. Every play, they were up on their feet and truly played a part in the win. Thank you to the crowd in Gippsland; you played a huge role in the W and making this one a game to remember," said Kyle Adnam.

On behalf of South East Melbourne Phoenix, thank you to Gippsland, Latrobe City Council and Victoria Government as well as our presenting partner for the match, Federation University, for making this game happen and creating the best game of the season for the Phoenix.

Very limited tickets to the three home games in the Heartland at SBC for January are left. CLICK HERE to secure your tickets NOW.

Phoenix Media (19/12/22)