NBL 2014/15 Round 16: Undersized Kings Struggled Against 36ers Bigs
Adelaide came into Sydney tonight, ready to play and cement their status as the only other team competing for that 4th spot in the playoffs. The Kings on the other hand, looked like a team that lacked motivation, despite there still being plenty to play for. The final score of 105-86 and Adelaide adding another win to their tally doesn’t show just how one-sided this game really was.
The first quarter had the home crowd thinking Sydney, would put up a fight and show that they are still in with a chance for the top 4. The first 9 minutes of the quarter was neck and neck with Sydney having an answer for every shot the 36ers hit. Madgen was hitting shots and getting guys involved, unfortunately he was the only guy making shots and he didn’t receive the help he desperately needed.
Sydney opened the second quarter with two Daniel Joyce missed threes and Childress continuing to struggle to find the basket. With Daniel Johnson now with the 36ers, there was no time for rest with Brandt out for the Kings, as it was either Motum or Daniel making life hard for the undersized Sydney bigs. Brendan Teys provided a spark off the bench for Adelaide; the off guard managed 15 points for the game,connecting on a number of long bombs and really making a difference in this one.
As both teams went to the locker rooms at the half, things were still looking ok for the home faithful. Sydney was only trailing by 12, and there was a whole extra 20 minutes left to play.
The second half saw Adelaide put the pressure on and extend their lead. What started as a 12-point lead entering the 3rd quickly ballooned to 21, as a series of missed shots and bad passes had Sydney back against the ropes early. A big 3-point shot by White late in the quarter looked like it might be the boost the home side needed. However it was Adelaide’s relentless effort to get the ball inside that saw Sydney struggle to compete with the 36ers, whose front line featured three guys 6’10 or taller. The Adelaide big men combined for 34 points, as they continued to get to the line and make life hard for Sydney’s guards to get into the lane and score.
The fourth quarter proved that the 36ers' front court might be the toughest in the NBL. The lead growing to 33 mid way through the fourth, along with Sydney’s inability to hit shots consistently, saw Adelaide storm to victory. The win was sealed with a Motum 2-point shot, capping off a dominant performance of a team that suddenly looks very likely to challenge for a Finals appearance again.
Adelaide faces Townsville next week in a game that should see them continue to roll onwards and upwards. For Sydney, they might have just seen their playoff hopes end as next week they face Perth in what will undoubtedly be a tough game.
Sydney 86 (Madgen-24, Childress-16, White-14)
Adelaiade 105 (Motum-18, Wilson-17, Creek-17)