Phoenix Fall to JackJumpers

Injury, Covid and illness almost stopped the South East Melbourne Phoenix from being able to take the court for today's game against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

With Gary Browne and Ryan Broekhoff still recovering from injuries sustained in Gippsland, Covid got Dane Pineau with Trey Kell and Anzac Rissetto having symptoms but not testing positive. 

Junior Madut had scans during the week that ruled out a more severe injury, and Alan Williams was coming back from an ankle injury.

Early in the week the Phoenix had just six players that were 100 per cent confident they could take the floor.

It was evident from the start that the Phoenix interrupted preparation had an adverse effect on the squad, with the JackJumpers outscoring them 32-15 in the first quarter.

To make matters worse, Trey Kell went down with a knee injury in the second quarter and didn't return.

Phoenix went on a 7-0 run at the start of the third to bring the lead down to seven, but from there, it was all the opposition.

It doesn't get any easier for the Phoenix as they head to Sydney to take on the Kings on Wednesday night.

The Result

South East Melbourne Phoenix 74 - 99 Tasmania JackJumpers

The Numbers

Phoenix
Williams: 21 points, 11 rebounds
Creek: 18 points, eight rebounds

JackJumpers
Doyle: 25 points, seven assists

The Turning Point

Turnovers Cost Phoenix

The Phoenix had 25 turnovers for the game which gave the opposition plenty of scoring opportunities.

A 32-15 first quarter saw the Phoenix playing catch-up from the start of the game.

The Play of the Game

Foxwell steal

The second quarter again saw Owen Foxwell give a glimpse of what this young man could become, with a block, steal and assist to Smith-Milner for the three.

Player of the Game

Alan Williams

Williams immediately impacted in his return, finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

From the Coach

Simon Mitchell

"Credit to Tassie, they did a lot of the things they're good at and we failed to stop them. There were some effort things from us tonight that weren't pleasing."

From the Player

Mitch Creek

"That was not good from me, really disappointed with the way I played. Didn't lead this club the way I want to, and that was not good enough. But that's the good thing about basketball we get to play again in 72 hours, and we won't dish that up again."

Phoenix Media (1/1/23)