Phoenix Activate the Clutch Gene for the Second Game in a Row

Last season it was the close games that cost the Phoenix, but so far in NBL23, in all the big moments, they have been outstanding. A one-point win for the second game in a row shows just how far the Phoenix have come when the game is on the line.

The first quarter saw Alan Williams and Mitch Creek activate the beast mode and overpowered the Wildcat defenders at will.

Williams finished the quarter with 7 points; Creek added 13, and the Phoenix lead 27-18.

The Phoenix got the lead to 12 before going cold half way through the second to find themselves trailing 45-51.

The momentum was all Perth's in the third quarter, but a 3-point barrage from Ryan Broekhoff kept the Phoenix within five going into the final stanza.

The last quarter was a back-and-forth battle. The Phoenix finally got the upper hand, with Creek icing the game with two free throws with 15 seconds left, giving the Phoenix the one-point win in the end.

Phoenix head back home for another challenge when they take on the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday at 4pm at the Fire Pit.

(Phoenix return home with the W.)

The Result

South East Melbourne Phoenix 91-90 Wildcats

The Numbers

Phoenix
Mitch Creek: 22 points, 6 rebounds
Ryan Broekhoff: 18 points, 5 rebounds
Alan Williams: 12 points, 7 rebounds
Gary Browne: 10 points, 8 assists

Wildcats
Bryce Cotton: 27 points, 8 assists

The Turning Point

Broekhoff's 3's

With Perth rolling and the home crowd finding their voice in the third quarter, it was four consecutive threes from Broekhoff that kept the Phoenix close.

The Player of the Game

Ryan Broekhoff and Mitch Creek

It's impossible to separate Broekhoff and Creek. Broekhoff kept the Phoenix close in the third, while Creek sealed the win from the free throw line.

(Broekhoff was pivotal in the game with sinking 4/6 from three.)

The Play of the Game

After hitting back-to-back three's, Broekhoff stole the ball from Luke Travers at halfway, then pulled up for a transition 3 that was nothing but net.

From the Coach

Simon Mitchell

"There is still some improvement for us; Zhou Qi is still a long way off with his fitness, and Trey, I've seen him much more explosive, last year I saw some more explosive plays from him."

From the Player

Ryan Broekhoff

"Creeky was in foul trouble, so we ran a few plays for me in the thrid quarter, and I was able to knock down a few shots."

(Creek was the saving grace for Phoenix at the final moments of the game.)

CLICK HERE to get your tickets for the fast selling game on Sunday against the Adelaide 36ers

Phoenix Media (29/10/22)