Starting 5: The key talking points from Round 11

Round 11 is complete and we have seen some incredible performances from both individuals and teams since the season resumed. While Bryce Cotton's return to Perth was the headline of the round, it was the South East Melbourne Phoenix who sent a message to their crosstown rivals, while the Breakers are quietly climbing the ladder.

Pete Hooley looks at some key talking points from the round just gone.

1 – Return of the King‍

It was the most highly anticipated game in recent history, with Bryce Cotton returning to RAC Arena for the first time since his shock off-season departure and it didn't disappoint. While many probably expected a 50-point onslaught from the five-time MVP, he was much more methodical in the way he picked his spots against his former team. Cotton had 21 points and 12 assists in the game, sparking an incredible comeback for his team who were down 20 points in the last quarter.

‍2 – What happened during United's break?

Just three weeks ago, Melbourne United were flexing their muscle as the best team in the competition and had many people already penciling them into a Championship Series. Fast forward to today and Dean Vickerman's team have dropped to second in the standings and are coming off their worst ever loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix. United switched up the starting lineup in this game, after they lost in Perth just three days prior and the result was less than desirable to begin the game. What's changed in this United team since their hot start?

3- Can't get a read on the Hawks

At one point during the Hawks game against the Phoenix on Thursday night, they looked every bit the top four contender that many predicted at the start of the season. Justin Tatum's team held a 20-point lead and looked set to put South East Melbourne away and send a message. However, 10 fourth quarter turnovers saw the lead dwindle away and eventually the game went to overtime where the Hawks did enough to escape with a win. Two days later and they welcomed an undermanned Taipans team into the Win Entertainment Centre and let them dominate from start to finish.

4 – Perth licking their wounds‍

Heading into Sunday's game against Adelaide, Perth was-0 when leading by double-digits at the end of the third quarter. The Wildcats were dominating Adelaide in every aspect of the game and pushed the lead out to 20 points, until it all came undone. As the 36ers ramped up the pressure, the Wildcats watched their lead evaporate and eventually turn into their first ever loss when being in that position with a quarter to go.

5 – PJC flicked the switch‍

The New Zealand Breakers have been quietly climbing the ladder and find themselves in striking distance of a post-season berth. While everyone has stepped up and different points through 11 rounds, it was Parker Jackson-Cartwright who showed that he's the key to success for this team. After taking over in the second half against the Kings, including the dagger from deep, Jackson-Cartwright was unstoppable against Tasmania in the second win of the round for his team.