Adelaide’s wildcard fires when it matters most

While Bryce Cotton will understandably dominate the headlines following his dominant fourth quarter and incredible game-winner, the 36ers may have uncovered their Championship Series wildcard in another experienced star.

John Jenkins boasts more than 170 games' NBA experience, including key Playoff appearances, so it’s little surprise he was able to step up when it mattered most on Friday night.

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A cool head is crucial in big games, and Jenkins delivered 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc in just 17 minutes, bouncing back from a challenging month. In fact, he hadn’t scored in double figures in his previous seven games.

“He shot the ball really well. I thought he moved better than we had seen him move previously and perhaps he’s got a little bit of confidence,” Derek Rucker said on Moments That Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Motors.

“We’ve seen this with Torrey Craig, where when the big lights come on these guys really want to show their value and show their worth.

“Every single point he hit today were vital in the 36ers getting that victory.”

“It kind of feels as though he could be a bit of a wildcard going into Game 3,” host Jack Heverin added.

Cotton also highlighted Jenkins’ importance post-game, while giving special praise to Flynn Cameron, who found his range at the perfect time.

“He (Cameron) needed this game. He’s the most improved player in the League and he showed that,” Heverin continued.

Cameron finished with 17 points and five rebounds in a famous win for the 36ers.

“I think knocking down the three ball in the first half really grew his confidence and then he was able to put the ball on the deck and make some plays,” Rucker added.

“I thought defensively his job against Kendric Davis was very good as well.

“He was key, because when the Sixers were rolling in the regular season, Flynn Cameron was playing a critical role.”

Attention now turns to Game 3 in Sydney on Sunday, but no one will be forgetting Friday night any time soon.

“(It was) one of the truly brilliant games of all-time,” Rucker said.