'We Play to The End' Declares Phoenix Coach

Via NBL - Rani Hodges

The ‘respect the game’ debate is a hot topic this season, with some coaches and players weighing in on the motives of teams shooting on the final possession of blowout games. 

The conversation began at the climax of last weekend’s game between Tasmania and Brisbane, when JackJumpers star Jack McVeigh hit a three-pointer on the final play of a 15-point game - upsetting guard Tyler Johnson.

Simon Mitchell and the South East Melbourne Phoenix confronted the issue in Sunday’s 102-84 win against the Adelaide 36ers. Rather than dribble out the clock, Adelaide held strong on defence and Phoenix young gun Junior Madut hit a three in the last 20 seconds.

"We had a chat about it,” Mitchell said of the emerging issue.

"There's this issue right now where there are some players that want to make a beef at the end of the game. It's over, now they want to fight. You've had 40 minutes to make your point, so make your point. We're playing to the end.”

Mitchell iterated the difference between the NBL and American basketball is playing for percentage points, which helps determine ladder positions.

"If feeding the people doughnuts (for scoring 100 points) is something we have to do then we'll have to do it, but that's not the reason why we'll play to the end,” Mitchell said.

“It's percentage, I don't want to be in that traffic jam where you lose on percentage on an important position on the ladder. Whether it be the top-two, the top-four, or missing the six.

“You try and do everything you can. I also think it's Aussie culture to play the game out, respect the game to the end. I know it's a little bit hard, it's cool to run out the clock. I'd rather be unfashionably playing playoffs.”

With the top six now making the post-season with the introduction of the play-in tournament, it is no secret some teams will become aggressive in ensuring they win by the biggest margin possible. 

The Phoenix have claimed their third consecutive win and play against the Sydney Kings on Sunday at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium at 2:00pm AEDT.