Defense the key to success over Bullets

Adelaide 36ers head coach Scott Ninnis has applauded his side’s improved defensive effort after a 95-88 victory against Brisbane Bullets at the Entertainment Centre on Christmas Eve.

The 36ers led for a majority of the contest, which included and opening 7-0 run and a match winning 8-0 in the final 90 seconds of play to seal the perfect present for the sold out 9440 fans.

Ninnis said the work put in on the defensive end was pivotal, especially down the stretch when the Bullets tied the game at 85-85.

“I thought today we got some really important stops, we were active with our hands, we did some really good things, but we got to continue to build on that,” Ninnis said post-game.

“We need to hang out hat on what we can do defensively and that is still a work in progress.

“It (defense) has to be (a focus), we know we can score, we have got guys who can put the ball in the basket.”

Ninnis said his side should much-needed belief with the visitors fighting back multiple times where the 36ers had the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt.

“Staying positive, we have shown in the past when things haven’t gone well, we tend to dry up a little bit and probably our ball movement wasn’t where it needed to be,” Ninnis said.

“There was some big plays down the stretch, some huge shots made, DJ’s and Trey’s and that’s especially pleasing cause that might have been a game in the past we may not have got away with.

“It was all about being positive, continuing to push the ball, get easy, cheap baskets, get stuff in transition and that’s an area we have really showed improvement with these last three games.”

In his third game as head coach, Ninnis got the perfect Christmas and birthday gift, he turns 58 on Christmas Day, and said the relief of victory was almost overpowering.

“That was an important game for everyone involved in the club from players to support staff to management to ownership and for our fans,” Ninnis said.

“They (fans) were incredible tonight, 9500 here (tonight), but relief is the overwhelming emotion.

“We feel we have been building for a couple of weeks now.

“I was disappointed we lost to Melbourne United, but I thought there was some positive signs.

“I’m so happy for all the guys we got the win tonight.”

Adelaide will be back on home court on Thursday night when the 36ers host Perth Wildcats from 7pm.