Sixers Prepare for phoenix Clash Following First Loss of Season
adelaide, Australia – The Adelaide 36ers are focused on rebounding from their first defeat of the NBL season as they prepare to host the South East Phoenix on thursday night. Head Coach CJ Wells emphasized the team’s commitment to preparation following a loss to Sydney, stating, “We’re just trying to regenerate and get our energy ready to go for Thursday night.”
The recent schedule of four games in nine days contributed to the setback, but Wells views the loss as a valuable learning opportunity for the relatively new team. “I think you saw a little bit of the growing pains of a kind of a new group, right? I mean, you’d like it to be smoother,” he saeid.”It’s the first time we probably had a little adversity and a little stress in the game.”
Wells believes a loss often heightens player focus.”I felt like we had a really good week here of being dialled in and prep and, you know, I had their full attention.”
the 2-1 Phoenix present a significant challenge,playing a style similar to Sydney with an aggressive,pressing defence. “They’re a talented team, they have an individual style that kind of presses up and gets at you, and, you know, they have a coach and a system and player personnel that all matches up,” Wells explained. “They bring a lot of energy and they’re trying to be a really disruptive force and you know, our goal is to not be disruptive and to get to the shots that we need and play at the pace that we need to play at.”
thursday’s game will also mark a milestone for Phoenix guard Nathan Sobey, who is set to play his 300th NBL game. Sobey previously played 111 games for the 36ers. Wells shared a personal connection, having coached Sobey during a Summer League stint with the Utah Jazz in 2018 or 2019. “Nathan’s had a hell of a career,” Wells said. ”He’s a hell of a competitive guy. I think he just wears his heart and his energy and everything right on his sleeve.”
Tip-off is scheduled for 7pm at the Adelaide entertainment Center, with limited tickets still available through Ticketek: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ADL36ERS26.
