Bruton thrilled after 'mini training camp'

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton is excited with how his side has responded from a mid-season training camp, winning a third straight game on Christmas Eve against South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The 36ers finally put away the gallant Phoenix 94-88 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night and Bruton knew how important victory was to the NBL23 campaign.

“Very happy for the 36ers, for our players, for our organisation,” Bruton said.

“We had to fight for it, Phoenix came in and even though they were undermanned, they gave it every crack to show just how skilful this league is and each player on their team is.

“They made some tough shots early, Kyle Adnam got them going and clearly set the tone for them.

“When you see 32 points against you after one, you know you’re in for a very long night.

“But to come away with a lead at half time and to come out in that third quarter and maintain that lead.”

Bruton put his side through the ‘mini pre-season’ before the win against Brisbane Bullets at home on December 17.

“I’ve been excited since we have started our new season. Going into training camp bringing that to the boys every single day, so they see that and understand that,” Bruton said.

“My passion and love for this game, I want to see them be successful and I want to see this club be successful.”

Adelaide has won their past three matches, all at home, to go 9-8 on the season and has moved Kai Sotto into the starting line-up.

“As the season has gone on, clearly I have made the adjustment and Kai has made the adjustments as well in all the areas I asked him to do,” Bruton said.

“We are where we are now and the players are playing well and the competition is healthy at practice.”

Bruton said his side still has  a lot of work to do, including welcoming Ian Clark into the rotation and Anthony Drmic back when the 36ers host the Bullets again next Thursday night.

New recruit Clark suited but didn’t play against the Phoenix and Drmic will return after missing a second game this season with illness.

“We are playing better, I think the momentum is coming,” Bruton said.