'Galloway, Dech were fantastic for us': Ninnis

Adelaide 36ers head coach Scott Ninnis has applauded the efforts of Kyrin Galloway and Sunday Dech in Thursday night’s 95-82 win against Sydney Kings at the Entertainment Centre.

Ninnis has always preached for his bench players to “stay ready” and he was thrilled with the impact Galloway and Dech made against the Kings.

Galloway was inserted into the contest after just one minute when Jacob Wiley picked up a second foul and the 203cm power forward showed his importance at both ends of the court.

A threat at rim in offense and defense, Galloway hauled in eight rebounds, blocked three shots and scored six points, his jump shot on the buzzer at quarter time gave the home side a lead that was never surrendered.

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Dech had an amazing second quarter, scoring nine points, while leading from the front defensively, limiting Jaylen Adams’ influence as the 36ers kept the Kings to just eight points.

“This is a game of opportunity and tonight there was extra opportunities for Galloway and Sunday Dech, and it’s about being ready,” Ninnis said.

“Sunday was great tonight, we threw him onto Adams and not that he stopped but I thought Sunday did a really good job, but that was a team effort as well.

“Those two guys who got increased minutes were fantastic for us.”

Trey Kell led the way with a game-high 27 points, but Adelaide had five players in double figures, which is a key component to the 36ers offense.

“To be able to have multiple scoring options, it makes you a lot harder to plan for defensively,” Ninnis said.

“We have had some stand out guys scoring wise, but to have other people pop up and put their hand up is very pleasing.

“It has taken us a while, but at times our ball movement was fantastic, making that extra pass.

“You see that it is getting there and that makes us tough to defend.”

After last Saturday night’s 100-96 win against NBL24 league leaders Melbourne United, Ninnis was wary his side wouldn’t make the mistake of having an emotional letdown.

“To be able to come in with the right mindset and do what we did defensively early on was very pleasing,” Ninnis said.

“We have won three games now in this short period of time and there’s certainly been improvements in a lot of areas, and we will continue to build on that.

“There has been buy at both ends of the court and there is a desperation now, over the past two games in particular, which have been pleasing.”