Added scoring threats key to NZ success

Putting more points on the board is one of the key elements Adelaide 36ers will be hoping to do against New Zealand Breakers on Thursday night in Auckland.

Adelaide 36ers captain Mitch McCarron said his side are in the position now to find new and better avenues to the hoop and put scoreboard pressure on the opposition.

“Our defense has been pretty solid all season, it’s more on the offensive end where we have probably let ourselves down,” McCarron told the media at Adelaide Airport on Wednesday.

“We just have to continue to find ways to get each other open and get good shots.”

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The addition of recruit DJ Vasiljevic has increased the 36ers’ offensive armoury and McCarron is excited about what the two-time NBL champion has brought to the roster.

“We kind of put together more of a complete game (against Perth) and having DJ (Vasiljevic) as part of the group now, we are a little bit deeper and a little bit stronger,” McCarron said.

“We got the win against Perth, to get the win against New Zealand will be another big win to get two in-a-row and hopefully start a streak.”

The 36ers face a New Zealand side who are back on home soil after a whirlwind NBLxNBA trip to the US via last round’s loss in Melbourne to United.

“They played really well against Melbourne United on the back of their NBA trip, so after a few days rest they will be ready to play at home again,” McCarron said.

“We know they are a tough side, but we are coming off a good win with some good momentum and we are excited.”

McCarron said last Saturday night’s win against Perth Wildcats on Brett Maher Court was a great step in the right direction.

“For us, we are not buying into too much of what the record is, it’s how we are playing,” McCarron said.

“Obviously, we need to win some games, but we have been right there in lots of games against lots of quality sides, so we just have to clean up some little things and it started against Perth.”