"Stay in the moment": 36ers zero in on top spot

After losing a tough one to Illawarra, the league-leading Adelaide 36ers returned to form on Saturday by defeating Melbourne.

That impressive victory at John Cain Arena ended a stretch in which the Sixers had lost five of their past seven games.

Upon reflecting on the Round 19 triumph, 36ers forward Zylan Cheatham credited his side’s resiliency for helping them return to the winner’s circle.

“It's so easy when things are going badly to start focusing on what's not going well,” Cheatham said during Tuesday’s club media availability.

“But you know, you look at the grand scheme of the season and what we've accomplished, and we have a lot to be proud of, and a lot to build on, and that's what we want to focus on.”

Now, the Sixers have just two games left in the regular season to lock up the top spot, including Saturday’s clash with Adelaide.

Not only does it represent the club’s final home game of the regular season, but also a teaser of the inaugural NBL Ignite Cup Final on February 22 on the Gold Coast.

“Obviously, you think about it [Ignite Cup Final], and you look at the schedule,” he said.

“You know what's going to happen, but at the same time, it's kind of been my same message.

“As long as you stay in the moment, take it day by day, our biggest focus on that is New Zealand at home.

“Our last time being at home, we didn't have a good showing, so for us, it's about building on this Melbourne win that we just had and tightening up some things, cleaning up some things, but also building on what we did well.

“If we just stick to that plan, we'll be in a great spot.”

Saturday’s Round 21 fixture between Adelaide and New Zealand tips off at 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.