No divide, no panic at 36ers

Staring down the barrel of potentially being down 2-0 in the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Championship Series, the Adelaide 36ers know all the pressure is on them on Friday night against Sydney.

While most have labelled it as a must-win, as no team has ever come back to win from 2-0 down, coach Mike Wells explained that his team have risen to the occasion every time people counted them out this season.

“From the loss to South East Melbourne last season, we've talked about our team and our culture,” Well said during the club’s media availability on Thursday.

“Our goals were to kind of change our team and change the culture through the course of the year.

“I think we did a pretty good job, and our group has been solid and really coachable.

“We had the ups and downs of a long season. Every time that we've had some adversity, you've seen the group rally and play better and play together.

“The times when we've had a chance to really practice and dial in, that has always shown on the court in the next game. It's been really important to me.

“I thought we played our best basketball at the end of last year, and I think we’re playing our best basketball now.

“In the South East Melbourne series, out of 12 quarters, I'd say we played pretty well in 10 of those quarters, and that's why we won it 2-1.

“We've doubled down on who we are and our habits and the things that have been successful for us.

“We know what's at stake on Friday night.”

Adelaide has welcomed the extended six-day break between Game 1 and Game 2, especially with the final four games of the Series coming within 10 days, if required.

And Wells was quick to dismiss reports of unrest with star guard DJ Vasiljevic.

“I only know what's inside these walls, and there hasn't been any divide within the group inside the walls. I can't really speak to anything else outside the walls,” Wells said.

“I've really enjoyed coaching this team this year, so it's kind of interesting to me to have somebody ask me that question.

“It's been a hell of a journey. It's been a lifelong dream of mine to be an NBL head coach and to coach in the grand final, and this group's been exceptional.

“Eight teams are out of business, have packed away their uniforms. We're super excited about the opportunity, as not many people get here.

“They held serve, and our job is to win on home court game on Friday night, to tie it at 1-1, as that’s what a Series is all about.”

‍Watch every Championship Series game live on ESPN. Friday night’s game will also be on 10 Drama in Adelaide and Sydney.

>> Championship Series schedule, tickets & how to watch