Seven Seconds or Less: Creek fantasy gold, Pineau Island and more
1. Home is where the heart is
South East Melbourne once again protected home floor this weekend, beating the New Zealand Breakers 103-78. They turned it on in front of their home fans, shooting over 50% from the field. Their home record now sits at 4-1.
Phoenix’s only loss at home so far this season was against United and considering both sides play out of the same venue, it wasn't a real home game.
The NBL’s newest team is building a fortress!
2. Crockett to stay?
Jaye Crockett continues to take advantage of his time on the floor for the Phoenix, stuffing the stat sheet against the Breakers. He finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two assists in just over 27 minutes.
https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1193079248241610752?s=20
Phoenix may look to shuffle things around and keep Crockett when Tai Wesley returns from injury. Keith Benson may be the unlucky one who misses out, even though the two have different games. Benson didn’t get on the floor against New Zealand and is averaging around 12 minutes per game.
3. Buying even more stock on Dane Pineau Island
We’re starting to sound a bit like a broken record on this weekly piece, but Dane Pineau is seriously having some sort of season. The 25-year-old went to work on Saturday night, recording 18 points (8/10 FG), seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
https://twitter.com/NBL1HQ/status/1193356708707364864?s=20
He is a clear staple of this team, and his ability to get up and down the floor as a big is crucial to what the Phoenix are doing.
4. Mitch Creek aka Fantasy Gold
If you’re playing NBL fantasy this season and don’t have Mitch Creek, you’re a fool. Creek once again stuffed the stat sheet this weer, recording 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and zero turnovers.
The result was 65 fantasy points, which is the fourth time he has had at least 60 points from a game. His average fantasy score is second only behind Shawn Long.
5. Ejection was too much
Phoenix fans no doubt left the stadium on Saturday night happy as their team secured a super impressive win. However, there would have been a little disappointment considering RJ Hampton was ejected after playing just four minutes.
https://twitter.com/heraldsunsport/status/1193058942437359625?s=20
The little scuffle was exactly that, little. By the letter of the law, the ejection was right, however almost everyone would have preferred him to stay out there.
6. Congrats Kyle Adnam
Saturday’s game marked 100 NBL games for Kyle Adnam. It’s an impressive feat for a guy who doesn’t fit in with basketball’s idea of the perfect athlete.
The Kilsyth junior played his role to perfection again, scoring 12 points on 5/6 shooting in around 13 and half minutes of play.
7. #FadeHawkGang
Mitch Creek is having one hell of a season, but it’s not just on the court where he is making a splash. The 27-year-olds hair is quickly becoming a fan favourite, with plenty of people following in his footsteps and getting the fade hawk.
Not sure if I’d be rocking it anytime soon, but you’ve got to respect it!
https://twitter.com/MickRandallHS/status/1193117513837498368?s=20