Seven Seconds or Less: The great Creek robbery

1. Close but no cigar

The South East Melbourne Phoenix were in desperate need of a win to finish off their season, but sadly they couldn't make it work. Being without Mitch Creek was always going to make things tough, however they will still be frustrated with the way the season ended.

A late fade against the Breakers cost Phoenix on Friday night, and a slow start against the United sealed their fate on Sunday. An eight-game losing streak to end the season was far from ideal.

2. Perfect timing

Nothing quite like turning it on in the last game of the season in a push to get signed next year. Dan Trist has had a mixed 2019/20, but impressed against United, recording seven points, five rebounds, and a block in just under 16 minutes.

There is a team option on the second year of Trist's contract, but if South East Melbourne don't decide to pick him up, he may be in the conversation for other teams.

3. Man of the people

On Sunday night, Dane Pineau was announced as the winner of the Gametime by KMart award for his work in the community. Not only has the youngster had an incredible season on the court he has also performed brilliantly off it.

https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1228981805400776704?s=20

It wasn't a great night for South East Melbourne (see #4), but Pineau was a shining light. More than an athlete.

4. Mitch Creek was ROBBED

Let's be honest, Mitch Creek was robbed at the NBL Awards night. He was in the top five for scoring in the league with 20.15 points per game, and also averaged seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal a game.

Phoenix's record clearly hurt Creek's chances, but he had one hell of a season and should have at least been named in the All-NBL 2nd Team.

https://twitter.com/jordanmcnbl/status/1228992758913720322?s=20

5. Green and black for green and gold

Kyle Adnam and Dane Pineau will be trading their Phoenix uniforms for a Boomers outfit after being named in the Aussie team for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. It's great recognition for two guys who have had their break out seasons in the NBL

Expect minutes to be spread for the qualifier games, so we should get plenty of chances to see both guys do their stuff.

https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1228919566484422656?s=20

6. Not much you can do about a Goulding explosion

There is nothing you can really do about Chris Goulding when he gets going like he did in the first quarter on Sunday. The 31-year-old was making shots from everywhere and looked unstoppable.

He had 15 points in the opening period, and finished the with 28. Andrew Gaze seemed to put it best when Goulding hit one of his ridiculous threes and said, "turn it up, Chris".

7. Onwards and upwards

All in all, it was just about what most people expected from Phoenix for their first season in the league. Early days it looked as though they would push for a top-four spot, but injuries and issues with their third import didn't help.

With some roster changes and lessons taken from their debut year, we should see an improvement in 2020/21. Don't sleep on South East Melbourne.