Ninnis thrilled with Sixers' resilience in success

Having the ability to respond in crunch time against Brisbane Bullets on Christmas Eve has excited Adelaide 36ers head coach Scott Ninnis.

The 36ers had a seven-point lead late in the December 24 clash against the Bullets, only for the visitors to come roaring back to tie the game 85-85 with 90 seconds remaining.

Adelaide then got two huge three-point shots from DJ Vasiljevic and Trey Kell, plus some crucial free throws from captain Mitch McCarron to go on a match-winning 8-0 run to close the game 95-88 winners.

“It was the perfect game for us. For them to come back and tie it at 85 and for us to have the resolve to go on and win it, that was probably a game earlier in the year we would have lost,” Ninnis told media on Wednesday.

“There were a few nervous moments, but I think that’s a great thing for our club at the moment.”

Jacob Wiley was exceptional against the Bullets, scoring 21 points to go with 12 rebounds and four assists and Ninnis had nothing but praise for his import power forward.

“I nearly killed him (Wiley) the other night, played him too many minutes, we have to try and get some rest into him, but he was so important and so valuable, we needed him on the court,” Ninnis said.

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“He is the heart and soul of this club, the energy he brings and the support he has been for me on and off the court has been enormous.”

Adelaide now faces a Perth Wildcats side playing their third game in the eight days and have spent the entire Christmas season away from home.

“Having the win Christmas Eve and then to turn around a play a team the caliber of Perth is a real exciting challenge for us,” Ninnis said.

The 36ers host the Wildcats from 7pm on Thursday night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, you can watch all the action live and exclusive on ESPN via Kayo Sports.