Anstey backs Phoenix, weighs in on Rakocevic debate

Chris Anstey says the South East Melbourne Phoenix need to be more aggressive in trying to stop Bryce Cotton, but ultimately back their system to respond in a do-or-die clash against Adelaide.

Cotton’s 42-point haul powered the 36ers to victory in Game 1, with the Phoenix returning to the familiar surrounds of John Cain Arena for Game 2.

“I'm really fascinated to see how the Phoenix bounce back against Adelaide,” Anstey said on NBL Now.

“I think they just got punched in the face by Bryce Cotton and couldn't find a way to get back on even terms, get their noses ahead and control the tempo of the game for any period of time without Bryce going again.

“On their home floor with a slightly different game plan and maybe a more aggressive view to getting the ball out of Bryce's hands and not daring somebody else to beat you, but living with the consequence of someone else beating you might be the way they go.”

The Phoenix struggled from the field in the Playoff Series opener, yet still finished within seven points, leaving Anstey confident they can bounce back.

“I think in their heart of hearts, if they looked at their shot selection to try to slow down runs that Bryce was having, it probably left a little bit to be desired,” he said.

“I think they need to trust their system offensively a little bit more, get the ball through more hands.

“And if Bryce goes on one of his tears, take a breath, trust the system, and go again.

“I think Phoenix probably have a little bit more left in the tank to get towards their ceiling than Adelaide do, and it wouldn't surprise me to see this game go back to Adelaide or to see this Series go back to Adelaide.”

Anstey also weighed in on the debate around Nick Rakocevic, after the Adelaide star received an unsportsmanlike foul in an incident with Akech Aliir.

While Damon Lowery said it was time to “move on”, the former NBL MVP was pointed in his assessment.

“I didn't like that at all. It was a cheap shot,” he said.

“He could have got hurt, falling in the back of the support of the rim. That's two in a couple of weeks now.

“If he had been ejected for that … and he should have been, the result of that game even would be very different.

“So I think it's really irresponsible to put yourself in a position where you won't be a part of the game and unable to help your teammates, given the positive impact while you're on the floor that you have.

“There's a fine line to walk and we've all hit people in playoffs. We try to get away with as much as we can, but there's a difference between walking the line ... and I just reckon that one was a little bit cheap and unnecessary.”

“I'll tell you what, the Phoenix, I'd go straight at him. I'd talk to him. I'd wait for him to respond and we'd see what he does.”