Studs and Duds: Round 18

At the conclusion of each round, NBL Media’s Liam Santamaria lets us know who made the grade and who deserves a little shade.

 

STUDS 

South East Melbourne Phoenix

Well, what do you know – South East Melbourne have gone from the street to the suite.

After a month-long stay in the duds, the Phoenix bounced back in style this week as they ran the table on a triple-game round.

Yes, it was a friendly schedule – taking on the two bottom teams and a squad who had just played in Perth, all in their home city – but three games in five days was never going to be easy. And let’s give credit where it’s due: they got the job done.

Of course, the win over Melbourne was by far the most impressive. There was an edge about the Phoenix in that game. A hardness. An intent at the defensive end that has been largely missing in recent times.

“That was our best performance in a long while,” head coach Simon Mitchell said.

“Obviously Melbourne coming back from Perth you bring a bit of lagging and it can be really tough but you’ve got to take advantage when you get those situations… (I’m) really pleased with the boys.”

So he should be. After all, that W took the Phoenix to 17-14 and, given their healthy percentage, they’d need to fall off a cliff to not make the playoffs from here.

Not only that, they’re also starting to look like a dangerous commodity as a potential first-round opponent.

I mean, this is a team loaded with explosive offensive talent who are showing signs of rounding into form at the perfect time of the year. They’re also the only crew this season to have beaten Melbourne and Perth multiple times each.

The most exciting thing for Phoenix fans? The much improved play of…

 

Keifer Sykes & Mitch Creek (South East Melbourne Phoenix)

These are SEM’s two main guys and they both regained their mojo this week.

Creek showed positive signs against the Breakers with 10 points, 5 boards and 4 assists and then stepped that up a level when he put 20 on the Taipans.

But it was his effort against United that was the most encouraging as he returned to his trademark aggressive style. He was a little inefficient with his finishing but, more importantly, Creek was fully engaged in the battle. It really was visible how much more locked-in he was, right throughout the game, and the result was a stat-sheet stuffing performance of 14 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

“He’s back,” Simon Mitchell said.

“He’s in a good place right now, he’s in a good state of mind… he’s the leader of this ball-club.”

Yes he is. However, don’t underestimate the importance of Sykes. The dynamic import is the head of SEM’s snake defensively and their floor-general at the offensive end.

He’s had some injury struggles throughout the season but he certainly stepped it up this week; averaging 21 points per game across the round on very impressive 50 – 40 – 100 shooting clips.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PHOENIX RISING ?<br><br>After working his way back from injury, Keifer Sykes caught fire at the perfect time, leading his squad to 3 straight wins in Round 18 ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL21</a> By the Numbers powered by <a href="https://twitter.com/LaTrobeFin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaTrobeFin</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1394452860973195268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


“I’m just so tired of hearing people saying that we’re inconsistent, how bad we are, this and that when we’re really good,” Sykes stated.

“We actually are really f***ing good and we’re only going to continue to get better. That’s just scary for other guys.

“They’ve got those guys who are top two on the ladder but they know that we’re not a push over and that we have high-level players. When those guys get to hitting it’s going to be crazy.”

 

Illawarra Hawks

One thing’s for sure: these Hawks have got some fight in ‘em.

Led by the passionate Brian Goorjian, this young squad is playing with some real guts down the pointy end of the season.

It’s a struggle offensively, we know that, but over the past couple of weeks the Hawks have still managed to grind out wins. It’s all been about the D as they’ve notched up three straight victories without scoring over 75 in any of them.

“The culture of the team is the defence, the effort and the togetherness,” Goorjian explained.

“To be where we in that area in such a short period of time, in a first-year team, is something to be proud of.

“I’ve been screaming that out and through the highs and lows this team has had that. It’s coming through now when it matters the most.”

What’s also coming to the fore in the big moments is Justin Simon’s enormous defensive impact.

The import swingman had the game-winning block down in Tassie two weeks ago and then delivered in crunch time once again this week with a game-saving steal.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simon. Says. No.<a href="https://twitter.com/simon_Says_so?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@simon_Says_so</a> with a game saving stop and don&#39;t the home crowd love it ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL21</a> live on ESPN <a href="https://t.co/fSFs01YFu3">pic.twitter.com/fSFs01YFu3</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1393534055824519179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


“From the start of the season to now, where our team is, [Justin] has shined,” Goorjian said.

“He has stepped up and kept our season alive. I’m so proud of, and so happy for, him.”

Of course, down the other end it’s Tyler Harvey who continues to get it done.

Harvey had 23 and 7 in Illawarra’s win over Adelaide this week – including a series of HUGE buckets down the stretch – and then backed that up with a 24-point display against New Zealand, including 10 in the decisive final quarter.

He’s an absolute gun and a lock for an All-NBL selection of some sort.

 

Lauren Jackson AO

Fresh off an emotional enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2020, the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame announced this week that ‘LJ’ will be one of 16 honourees in the Class of 2021.

That’s right, she’s going to the Hall of Fame!

It’s an honour that is richly deserved by Jackson who becomes the first Aussie enter the Hall as a player, joining Lindsay Gaze who was enshrined as a coach six years ago.

“That just blows my mind,” Jackson told ESPN’s SportsCenter yesterday.

“Australia’s had so many great basketball players and for me to be the first player inducted – being a woman – it blows me away.

“That’s something that I can’t really grapple with at the moment.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations Lauren Jackson, 7-time <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WNBA</a> All-Star, 3-time WNBA MVP, 2-time WNBA Champion, WNBA Finals MVP, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/21HoopClass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#21HoopClass</a> honoree. <a href="https://t.co/YrEMBvBKbW">pic.twitter.com/YrEMBvBKbW</a></p>&mdash; Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hoophall/status/1393954728372064256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Jackson’s list of career achievements is a long one but, just cherry-picking off the top, she’s a two-time WNBA champ, a three-time WNBA MVP, a six-time WNBL champ, a four-time WNBL MVP, a four-time Olympian, a three-time Olympic Silver Medallist and, of course, a world champion.

Oh, and just by the way, she’s also a three-time EuroLeague champion as well.

‘LJ’ was her typical humble self as she reflected on the magnitude of the announcement with ESPN yesterday.

“I hope it paves the way for the next athletes that are coming through to see that they can make it to the very top,” she said.

“If a country kid from New South Wales can do what I’ve done it means anyone can do it.”

 

Anthony Drmic (Brisbane Bullets)

The Bullets split their double this week but shout-out to the Drm Reaper nonetheless for his career-high scoring explosion.

Drmic drained the opening bucket against Sydney and from there he never looked back, pouring in 28 points on a sizzling 7-of-10 from long range.

He also grabbed 5 boards and threw 4 assists but it was his white-hot shooting that stole the show as Brisbane grabbed a much-needed win.

“The second half of the season I’ve tried to put an emphasis on not worrying about the three and just focus on the little things,” Drmic said.

“Every time I do that the offensive stuff comes with it. Tonight they were running that press, teammates got me open and I was just knocking ‘em down.”

 

New Zealand Breakers

This is my chance to send a personal thank you to the Breakers and goddamn it, I’m taking it!

After all, what an unbelievable effort those guys and girls have made this season.

It’s been five long months that the Breakers coaches, players and support staff have been based in Australia – away from family, friends and loved ones – as they’ve moved from city to city to dodge COVID and compete in the season. I can’t imagine how difficult that’s been, especially for those who have children growing up back home in New Zealand.

So… thank you to the Breakers. Over and above all the wins and losses, you have been amazing in your resilience this season and have set a tremendous example of how to face challenges head on and battle against adversity.

Avocado incidents aside, you have handled yourselves brilliantly, on and off the court, throughout all of those difficult circumstances. Enjoy being home and all the best for your remaining games.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From the entire NBL community, thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/NZBreakers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZBreakers</a>.<br><br>Save travels home ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL21</a> <a href="https://t.co/7JviqRIxV6">pic.twitter.com/7JviqRIxV6</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1393438493888626689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Finn Delany (New Zealand Breakers)

Speaking of the Breakers, let’s throw some love Finn Diesel’s way after the rising star continued to do his thing throughout Round 18.

Delany was an absolute force against the Phoenix, scoring a game-high 32 points, and then notched up his third double-double of the season when he posted 20 and 11 in his side’s narrow loss in the ‘Gong.

He’ll probably just miss out on an All-NBL Second Team selection this year, Delany, but he certainly deserves to be in the mix.

 

DUDS

Adelaide 36ers

The dream is over for the 36ers.

It was fun while it lasted, especially with Josh Giddey leading from the front, but back-to-back losses in Round 18 served to sink their playoff aspirations.

It began last Tuesday when Conner Henry’s men wilted under Illawarra’s intense defensive pressure. The Sixers were completely flummoxed by the Hawks’ aggressive coverages, coughing up 24 turnovers – the highest number from any team this season – including 11 in the opening quarter alone.

That loss put the Sixers on the ropes and then a 10-point defeat at the hands of the Kings, I’m sorry to say John Casey, was the blow that knocked them to the canvas.

It also spelled the end of Giddey’s NBL21 campaign, with the impressive teen deciding to shut it down in preparation for the NBA Draft.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Giddey has played his final game in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL21</a>, with the <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Adelaide36ers</a> Next Star to begin preparations for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBA</a> Draft.<br><br>Giddey, Adelaide and the NBL made the collective decision that it was in his best interests to finish the season now.<br><br>More here: <a href="https://t.co/iLVyN3pENM">https://t.co/iLVyN3pENM</a> <a href="https://t.co/KLLzH0TQuu">pic.twitter.com/KLLzH0TQuu</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1394118546678960129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


All that’s left for Adelaide now is to reward their fans with some strong play down the stretch while the front office works out how best to move forward.

“We’ve got to ride this season out,” Henry noted.

“There will be some shorter rotations going ahead. Some of the young guys will start to get some minutes, which will be really good for us.

“We’ll start playing a little bit differently and letting some guys get some run. We’ll see if we can get a good evaluation on some of the young guys and some of the old guys.”

Part of that process is also making a decision on whether or not Isaac Humphries will play. Adelaide’s GM of Basketball, Jeff Van Groningen, addressed that issue earlier today when he spoke to SEN’s SA Breakfast.

“I’m leaning towards saying that I don’t believe we’ll see him much more for this season but I don’t want to state that categorically yet because we do have to get a bit more information,” Van Groningen said.

“It’s a foot injury but it’s not the foot injury that he recovered from which is clearly a relief because that was a significant injury… I’m consulting with the medicos and high-performance guys about what’s the upside and what’s the downside of Isaac continuing? Does he just need to get stronger? Perhaps these next few weeks is better used for that.” 

 

Cairns Taipans

The Snakes are heavily undermanned right now and they fought hard last night against the Wildcats. But let’s call a spade a spade: what they served up against South East Melbourne on Friday night was nowhere near up to scratch.

Completely outworked for the majority of the game, the Snakes provided very little resistance in the effort areas against the Phoenix and, as a result, were overrun by their more talented opponents.

“It’s simple: you have to be mentally tough and physically tough and tonight we weren’t that,” head coach Mike Kelly commented postgame.

“We’ve been through ups and downs in Cairns over the last three years and all that we preach, and all that the people of Cairns care about, is if these guys go out and play as hard as they can.

“That’s the first and foremost thing… we need to put that effort and the never-say-die attitude on the floor every night so that we deserve to be there.”

It’s a message that clearly resonated with his players because the Taipans were much more competitive last night against Perth – outrebounding Mooney and Co. and hanging in the contest.

Of course, it doesn’t get any easier for the cellar-dwelling Snakes. Next up is a rematch with the champs in the Jungle on Friday night.

 

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