Phoenix Coach Blasts “Trash” Throwdown Effort

South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell has slammed his side’s defensive performance in the 110-85 Throwdown loss to Melbourne United on Sunday.

“That was trash, absolute trash,” Mitchell said.

“The effort I thought was really poor, really poor, and I can’t put a finger on why.

“Didn’t recognise a scout being executed. Guys got down on themselves early.

“Ball pickups weren’t there, our tags on the offensive boards weren’t there. We were letting guys get free, we got beat in transition, executed on all their plays they shouldn’t be executing on us…horrendous.  

“I didn’t think we had a good first half, that third quarter was disgusting, there’s going to be a really long video session for that.”

Alan Williams top scored for the Phoenix with 30 points and 14 rebounds, his best game of the season.

Despite the strong individual effort, Williams was disappointed with team’s efforts on Sunday.

“Especially in a Throwdown, the build-up for this game is massive, I just felt like we just didn’t live up to the expectations that we set for ourselves,” Williams said.

“I’ll just say flat out, we just didn’t perform the way that we should perform, regardless of who’s out, we have a next man up mentality, and I think as a total group today, we just didn’t put forth enough effort to earn a win in this game.”

Veteran Ryan Broekhoff didn't play after he sustained a hamstring injury in the warm-up, an ailment which Mitchell couldn’t provide an update on after the game.

“It’s frustrating, really frustrating for him, and I was tremendously upset before the game,” Mitchell said.

The absence of Broekhoff forced “shake-ups” for South East Melbourne, with Mitchell having to quickly set a new game plan.

“The first thing you think, okay, change the whiteboard, what’s our matchups here?” he said.

“Because this was after our team meeting before the game. And it’s just like well okay, we need to sort of start again on the fly, and that sent shake ups a little bit, and it shouldn’t, it really shouldn’t.

“There’s guys who were given opportunities tonight who really should’ve grasped it with both hands, and I think we failed in that.”

The Phoenix is currently sitting at fourth on the ladder at 5-4. They next play the Perth Wildcats in round seven after the FIBA window.