Humphries credits “awesome team environment” for strong form

Isaac Humphries is arguably in career best form and the star Adelaide 36ers big man has credited his teammates and coaching staff for bringing out his best.

Humphries is averaging 15.2 points per game along with 6.1 rebounds, one assist and 1.7 blocks.

That stacks up very favourably when measured against his career averages (12 points, 5.8 rebounds, one assist and 1.6 blocks).

The experienced 27-year-old continues to thrive in tandem with guard Bryce Cotton, and their partnership was again on show in Wednesday night’s Ignite Cup win over Illawarra.

Humphries had 22 points, nine rebounds and a steal against the reigning NBL Champions and afterwards he said his form stemmed from being part of an enjoyable environment at the Sixers.

“I think anyone who can wake up every day and be really excited to go to work is, you know, that's awesome for anybody,” Humphries said.

“The fact that our work's a little bit different and we have to do it in front of 10 or 15,000 people on the weekend it makes that situation so much nicer when you're with a group of guys that you really enjoy and with the coaching staff that has your back in situations and I think we're all just really gelling and our environment's awesome.

“I mean, you guys come and see us a practice, like, we get what we need to done, absolutely, but we really enjoy our time together, so I'm reaping the benefits of that - having great guys around me, and I'm getting to play some good basketball with that.

“Honestly, I need to put the credit to my teammates. It's just I'm a five man, I don't have the ball, I don't bring the ball up so when I am successful, I've always thought that it's because of my teammates and who's around me.”

As impressive as his impact was on the stats sheet, equally so was Humphries’ ability to limit the impact of Hawks big man JaVale McGee.

The three-time NBA Champion scored 12 points and had 10 rebounds but went 4/18 from the field under intense pressure from Humphries and his teammates.

But Humphries said he had not put any extra focus on tacking McGee.

“I go into every game with the job that we need to do and that's what it is,” he explained.

“I'm very much realising through communication with (coach) Mike (Wells) and how the season's going, that I am a big part of this team and this lineup and I just want to show up every day and be prepared to do what I need to to make us win.

“I don't think too much about who the opponent is or whatever that is, because it’s a basketball game, you honestly have no idea what's going to happen out there.

“You can't control anything, so I have to just go into it with what's happening in that moment, and right now, those moments are going my way.”

Humphries and his teammates will be back on court on Saturday night against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena.