'It means a lot': Cleveland on Damian Martin Trophy finalist nod

Adelaide 36ers shooting guard Antonius Cleveland believes he is the 'best defender in the NBL' after being named as a finalist for the Damian Martin Trophy ahead of next week's MVP awards.

Cleveland won the award last season while at the Illawarra Hawks and believes he can make it back-to-back.

"It means a lot, I take pride in it, it's always good to get recognition, especially when it's coming from your peers and everyone else involved who feel they know the game in Australia," he said.

"I think I'm the best defender in the league, but you look at our record, I wouldn't be mad if I didn't get it, I'm a realistic person.

"I'm definitely a better defender than anyone else in the league in my opinion, (Dererk) Pardon and (Shea) Ili, I like me over those guys, no disrespect to them."

Cleveland dominated in the victory over Cairns Taipans on Monday and said the Sydney Kings present a different challenge.

"It's a big challenge, the objective is always to win, so just to keep that mind and never let the moment get bigger than it is," he said.

"I never want to put too much pressure on myself, I love the responsibility, I love my teammates thinking highly of me like that and I want to come through for them.

"At the end, you can't overthink.

"Going in, we need to be playing with effort on the defensive end and getting stops.

"Being aggressive, playing with force, making them guard, making them foul us and doing the little things like getting back and boxing out.

"Things like that are important against a great team like Sydney."

Cleveland said he is unsure on what his task will be on Friday night yet, but he's focused on keeping on the court after fouling out in the 36ers' last home outing against Melbourne United.

"Derrick Walton Jnr or Justin Simon, depends what coach wants me to do," he said.

"I fouled out last week, I'm trying to be consistent and stay on the floor, I was turning in the right direction before that Melbourne game.

"I got back on track last game, I want to finish strong and not foul out."