Clark says 'everyone contributed' in success

Adelaide 36ers import guard Ian Clark said his side found the motivation required to snap a five-game losing streak in the 99-96 success against the Taipans in Cairns on Monday night.

Clark, who made a clutch layup after a strong drive to the hoop in the final 30 seconds, said the win in Far North Queensland was the ultimate team effort.

“Finding ways to keep guys engaged, coming off a long losing streak being able to find some motivation coming here tonight and beat a good team on the road and I think we had everyone contribute,” Clark said.

“With DJ (Johnson) early in the first half and then coming in down the stretch we put in KG (Galloway) defensively to switch everything and contain those guys.

“Having those up and down of emotions, I feel we have building stones and building blocks that we have built off of that carried over to the game and it showed tonight.”

The 190cm combo guard, who had 11 points and three assists against the Snakes, said Antonius Cleveland’s performance was one sparked by some wise words at an interval.

“Today he showed what he is capable of, I told him in a time out he was talking about he was a little hesitant and I told him ‘keep shooting the ball, you got to make them honest’,” Clark said.

“He kept shooting the ball and we needed all of them.

“It’s not just the offense, it’s what he gives us on the defensive end as well, his athleticism, his anticipation and being able to guard one through five at any time, he’s big for us.”

Cleveland, who was named a finalist for the Damian Martin Trophy on Monday, scored a game-high 27 points against the Snakes and Clark said it’s great to have the swingman now on his team.

“It’s been great, playing against him last year and both of us are from the same city, I’ve known him for a long time, he is one of those guys you hate playing against, but you love having on your team,” Clark said.