Lessons to be learnt from United defeat

Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells said his side will take a lot of positives away from Sunday afternoon’s 106-79 defeat to Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.

Less than 48 hours after defeating Sydney Kings 89-79 at home, the 36ers started with great intent, taking a 29-24 lead into quarter time.

Wells said the start of the game was pleasing, but only at one end of the court.

“We had some breaks and momentum there in the first half,” Wells said post-match.

“We started out where our execution needed to be on one end wasn’t as good as the other end

“Everyone is going to talk about the offense, but it’s probably the other way.”

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The 36ers led for the majority of the opening half, before a 24-12 United run at the back end of the second quarter gave the home side momentum at the main break.

“Our defence wasn’t as organized as it needed to be,” Wells said.

“I give our guys credit, we tried to hang in there.

“As a young group, we are trying to get connected, it’s a different game when you go on the road.

“Every one of these situations moving forward is great for us to be the best version of us we can be.”

Adelaide was reduced to just 37 points in the second half and Wells explained how the offense dried up as United took control after half time.

“The ball didn’t move the way it needed to move because they did a great job with pressure,” Wells said.

“That slows down your pace, our defence wasn’t as efficient as it needed to be so we are taking the ball out of the net a little bit more.

“Now we are going against a set defence a little bit more, now you feel the spacing a little bit more than you do when you’re making stops and you’re running.”

Wells said his side will take away a lot from Sunday afternoon’s defeat moving into next Sunday afternoon’s home game against reigning champions Tasmania JackJumpers.

“The scoreboard wasn’t in our favour today, but there are a lot of lessons for us moving forward,” Wells said.

Adelaide will host the JackJumpers at the Entertainment Centre from 4pm ACST next Sunday.