Pint-sized import Keifer Sykes has stood sizable to register the season’s first triple-double and inspire South East Melbourne Phoenix’s 99-83 NBL Cup comeback win against an injury-hit Brisbane Bullets.
The Phoenix (5-4 file) reeled in an early 16-point deficit after Brisbane used Jason Cadee broke down earlier than guard Sykes iced the win, finishing with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Sunday.
Boomers squad member Mitch Creek also impressed, shutting down Bullets import Vic Law (nine points, 3-10 shooting) and dropping a sport-excessive 29 points alongside with nine boards.
Brisbane had a dream begin, going on a 17-0 creep to lead 23-7 in the opening time length earlier than catastrophe struck.
The Bullets misplaced momentum after guard Cadee suffered an ankle injury in the main quarter and he’s anticipated to suffer an extended time sidelined.
Cadee hasn’t missed a sport in seven years, enjoying a league-file creep of 193 straight suits.
In his absence, outstanding bench wide man Matt Hodgson (20 points, nine boards) couldn’t finish Brisbane being outscored 31-17 in the final time length and slumping to an general 3-5 file.
Bullets coach Andrej Lemanis became as soon as undecided whether he would desire to survey a roster replacement for Cadee.
“I think Jason going out became as soon as a wide thing for us in phrases of the rhythm of our rotations and how we play – that became as soon as a distinguished blow,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell became as soon as left scratching his head over their slack begin.
“I in actuality don’t know what took attach obtainable. I felt admire it became as soon as a in actuality odd sport,” he stated of their NBL Cup opener.
Brisbane led 27-16 on the main spoil however scores were locked up at 44-all by halftime earlier than the Phoenix held on 68-66 on the final interval.
Ex-Bullet Cameron Gliddon (19 points) and Kyle Adnam (15 points) also impressed for the Phoenix.
For Brisbane, the league’s leading scorer Nathan Sobey and bench weapon Anthony Drmic each and every had 16 points.
The Phoenix introduced earlier than the game that latest star signing – Boomer and ex-NBA participant Ryan Broekhoff – had arrived from america and would be on hand for the NBL Cup’s latter stages after completing two weeks of quarantine.
The inaugural NBL Cup started this weekend, with all nine golf equipment featuring in a total of 36 games over three weeks in a Melbourne hub.
NBL Cup outcomes also count toward the usual season.
