Cheatham: Little mistakes, big cost

Sunday's blockbuster between Adelaide and Melbourne was arguably the game of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season to date.

While the 36ers fell just short of a famous victory at John Cain Arena, superstar forward Zylan Cheatham was impressed by his team's ability to compete with "a really good team down to the stretch”.

The US import, who is averaging 8.6 points, 10.7 rebounds (career best) and 4.3 assists (career best) on the season, says his side will learn from the small mistakes that cost them victory on Sunday.

“It comes down to those little small plays that add up, and that's kind of what we're trying to focus on, is cleaning up those little mistakes and not making mistakes going forward," Cheatham said during Tuesday's club media availability.

“Obviously, that's a really good team at the top of the table, but we got our own work cut out.

"I've said it before, I don't think we've even scratched the surface. I think we're still making little mistakes that really good teams don't make.

"We're still getting chemistry with our guys and figuring out our offence and defence and stuff, so I think we still got a lot of work to do.”

The 5-2 36ers will look to return to the winners' circle on Sunday when they host reigning champions, Illawarra.

“When it comes down to Playoffs and making it, it's one or two games that decide the difference,” Cheatham said.

“So, when you get those home games, you’ve got to take care of home court for sure.”

Sunday's Indigenous Round clash tips off at 4.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN and 10 DRAMA.