Bruton says it's 'one game at a time'

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton said his side are taking it “one game at a time” as the road to the NBL playoffs continue on Thursday night in Brisbane.

The 36ers, who have dropped their past three games, will look to rebound against a much-improved Bullets side, who defeated South East Melbourne Phoenix on the road on Monday night.

Bruton said his side must only concentrate on the assignment coming up against the Bullets.

“We know we have a task at hand going to Brisbane and they are playing pretty good basketball, they just beat the Phoenix,” Bruton said on Tuesday as the State Government announced funding for the club’s School Program.

“One game at a time and it starts with practice.

“We will come in and make sure the game plan is tight, then go in and win the first quarter.

“First quarters have got away from us over the last few games and we got to make sure one, we are in front, and two, we are doing everything the right way so we have more points at the end of the game.

“They (Brisbane) have been in every ball game recently. We need to make sure we go in with the right mindset and the right game plan to get a win.”

Bruton expects his side to respond after defeats on the road last round to Tasmania JackJumpers in Hobart and to the Wildcats in Perth.

“Bouncing back is what we have been good at, we have had some tough losses throughout this season so far,” Bruton said.

“We have to make sure we keep pushing forward and building within each other.”

Bruton knows the time is now for the 36ers, who currently have an 11-12 record with a spot in the top six still well and truly on offer.

“This means making the playoffs, or not making the playoffs, every possession counts,” Bruton said.

“I know that right now, we control our destiny and the first game is against Brisbane and making sure we go up there and get that win.

“As of right now, we are in it to win it.”