Next Man Up

After battling the Sydney Kings in a double overtime win that some described as one of the best games of NBL basketball in recent memory, a last-minute schedule change saw a wounded Phoenix head to Brisbane to take on the Bullets.

With two starters injured and Trey Kell dealing with an ankle injury, the Phoenix's next-man-up mentality was on show.

"We come out of that win against Sydney a little scarred, even some nicks with some of the guys that were playing; obviously, if they are playing that many minutes you will be carrying a little bit. Early, Trey Kell looked like he was lumbering a little bit, but he warmed into the game. Sauce rolling his ankle during the game, and I was just thinking, how many ladders can I walk under," head coach Simon Mitchell said post-game.

"But a tremendously gutsy performance; we had guys stand up as well. Creeky was great again, but Kyle comfortably slipped into that starting five. I thought Junior Madut had some good minutes; Grant Anticevich, when he had his moments, was very productive. Foxy was not as good as he was in the Sydney game, but he came in and provided some relief and solid minutes. Everyone is answering the bell, and that's important for us," he said.

(Madut had some good minutes when he was on the floor.)

Alan Williams rolled an ankle in the second quarter, but the big man played through the discomfort to continue to impact the game; in a supporting role, Dane Pineau had six points and ten rebounds in 17 minutes.

Madut was inserted into starting five again and notched up ten points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal for the night.

Anticevich helped spread the floor, knocking down some open jumpers, while Te Rangi took his opportunities.

Foxwell may not have had as big a game as he did in Gippsland, but he provided solid minutes supporting co-captain Adnam.

With point guard Browne out, co-captain Adnam slipped straight into the role of floor general.

"As a leader of the club, I've got to be flexible at times. We've got an unbelievable point guard sitting at home right now; Gary Browne is amazing. Trey Kell has been amazing with the ball in hand as well. For me, I just got to be flexible, be ready whenever my opportunities come whether to start or not, just be ready for those and contribute where I can," Adnam commented.

"I think our focus and attention to detail since we stepped onto the plane has been amazing. Our shootaround was amazing. Everyone was locked in, on top of the scout, our understanding of things. Our attention to detail since we hopped onto the plane was amazing, and we got to see that."

Phoenix has another short turnaround as they prepare for the Adelaide 36ers on Christmas Eve in Adelaide.

Phoenix Media (22/12/22)