Musashi Match Report: Phoenix Record First Win of NBL21

South East Melbourne Phoenix have recorded their first victory of NBL21 behind a Keifer Sykes masterclass at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The Phoenix responded in fine style to the double overtime heartbreaker on Sunday night, running out 89-83 winners over the 36ers to improve their record to 1-1.

Sykes’ performance was arguably the difference between the two teams in the tight tussle, dropping 24 points (4 triples), two rebounds, seven assists and two steals to will his squad over the line.

The American point guard hit a number of clutch shots down the stretch and put Adelaide big man Isaac Humphries on a poster with a huge slam late in the third term.

“It felt good…those exciting plays are always fun to have,” Sykes said.

“I got my first win in a new league, so I’m happy and excited. It’s a great team, great coaching staff…they did a great job to get me and Ben (Moore) here.

“I’m enjoying it, man. I’m just happy we got this win and many more to come.”

The Phoenix held narrow leads at each break but were able to put together a dominant stretch to close the third term and open the final quarter to secure the win.

Kyle Adnam came off the bench for an electrifying 17 points, while Ben Moore also made a big impact off the sidelines, putting together a strong second half to finish with 10 points, 12 rebounds and two rejections.

(Ben Moore rebounded from a tough debut on Sunday with a great second outing)

Adam Gibson started the second half and played superbly, scoring 11 points and inspiring the game-winning stretch by the away team.

Mitch Creek enjoyed a quieter evening (15 points, five rebounds) at his old home court but will be stoked to come away with the club’s first win in the city of churches in their short NBL history.

“Defensively we were really strong. I had a little more faith in different guys and I feel they rewarded themselves and myself,” Phoenix Coach Simon Mitchell said.

FULL GAME STATS

“Gibbo (Adam Gibson) came in and played a beautiful little cameo tonight, Kyle Adnam’s been active off the bench both games, and Keifer had a really solid game tonight too.

“It’s going to be someone different every night.”

Mitchell also emphasised the great room for improvement for the team despite the win.

“There’s tremendous upside for this team,” he said.

“We’re patient, we know it’s going to take a little bit of time and we’ll get rolling at some stage. It’s nice to eek out a win before we’re on top of our game.”

The Phoenix now travel to Perth to face the Wildcats twice before heading home to Victoria to take on Melbourne United in Bendigo.

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (20/01/2021)