Ninnis excited with defensive presence

Adelaide 36ers head coach Scott Ninnis was thrilled with his side’s defensive effort in Saturday night’s 88-71 win against Cairns Taipans at the Entertainment Centre.

The 36ers held Cairns to their lowest score of the season and only allowed 46 points after quarter time in the 17-point success.

Ninnis said the defensive end has been a real focus and has blossomed since he took charge last month.

“My first game coaching was against that team on this court and we gave up 116 points and we got a lot of criticism for that,” Ninnis said post-game.

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• PROUD JOURNEY: PART I - THE DECISION
• PROUD JOURNEY: PART II - THOUGHT PROCESS
• PROUD JOURNEY: PART III - THE RETURN
• PROUD JOURNEY: PART IV - MOVING FORWARD

“To fast forward to this point and to hold a team like that with that much firepower to that score is very exciting.

“We held sway tonight and it’s a credit to the guys that we kept that margin and pushed it when we could.”

Adelaide outscored the Taipans 46-22 inside the paint and at one stage held a 36-6 advantage which pleased Ninnis.

“It was a focus for us early, getting feet in the paint and into the keyway, we did an outstanding job of that tonight,” Ninnis said.

Saturday night’s win was Adelaide’s third in-a-row and Ninnis said the results are giving his side faith going into the final four games of the NBL24 season.

“There’s a belief now and we are going into games expecting to win games now, we are not hoping to win,” Ninnis said.

“I think we are evolving, and guys are accepting into their roles.

“I think we are now getting really good cameos from players and not relying on one or two players to get these players.

“This is a total team effort, which is pleasing.”

Adelaide now faces Sydney Kings at the Entertainment Centre this Friday night and Ninnis said the mindset must now switch directly to two-time reigning champions.

“We con only control what we can control and that is Sydney here and that’s not going to be easy,” Ninnis said.

“Bring it on, there is no one out there that we don’t look forward to playing.

“We know these games are going to be difficult.”