Bruton says 36ers 'need to evolve'

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton said his side needs to continue to evolve after Thursday night’s 96-80 win against Illawarra Hawks at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.

The 36ers had control for the majority of the night, but a 19-4 final quarter surge was the spark for the 16-point win, Bruton knows how the Hawks got back into the contest.

“We had our opportunities to score but our turnover count is still too high which is sad, but we need to continue to get better as we keep going forward,” Bruton said.

“We are working through some stuff and I feel like from where we were last week to where we are right now we are still progressing.

“But how we shared the ball and how we played defence today, it was good.”

Bruton was pleased with his dynamic frontcourt duo of Daniel Johnson and Robert Franks, who combined for 53 points.

“I was telling these guys to take advantage of what is in front of you at certain times as we are moving the ball, they were a target presence, both of them can stretch the ball and shoot it and our guards can turn the corner,” Bruton said.

“From the pre-season, those guys have been super efficient, it’s been a scramble for us how we have been moving the ball, a bit of panic here and there.

“We moved it through hands and got to certain actions, we have looked really good, we need to continue to evolve that and just being patient.”

Despite the success, Bruton’s team have a date with arch-rival Perth on Brett Maher Court in less than 48 hours and the coach knows how important Saturday night’s game is at home.

“Everyone wants momentum, we love to play at home and make amends and we are playing against a good team,” Bruton said.

“The rivalry from the 80s until now is no different.

“Even though they have a new group and we have seven new players it’s going to be an exciting game and I hope everyone can get out to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and watches us play.”