Sixers dialling in for United challenge

Adelaide 36ers Head Coach Mike Wells says his side has moved on from the weekend’s remarkable comeback win over Perth and is firmly focussed on its top of the table clash with Melbourne United on Friday night.

The Sixers pulled off an incredible 21-point turnaround on Sunday afternoon after trailing badly to the Wildcats to maintain a six-game unbeaten run and move to the top of the Hungry Jack’s NBL ladder.

The win meant Wells’ side moved above Melbourne United, who had set the pace for the competition for much of the season.

After training on Thursday, Wells said the win in Perth was special but the group had shifted its focus pretty quickly.

“(It was) obviously an exciting situation,” Wells said.

“But there's been a few days and it's really just part of the journey for our team and, you know, it's on to the next one.

“That's the mentality you have to have. Keep focussed on what's to come.”

The last time the sides met was in late October at John Cain Arena when United escaped with a one-point win, courtesy of a late three-pointer by Tyson Walker off an offensive rebound.

While there were some suggestions the game would mean more given that, Wells played down the game’s significance in the context of the season.

“It really doesn't (mean more),” he explained. “It's one of 33 (games). But there's an opportunity for us to keep playing well and to keep growing.

“That one probably stung as much as this one felt good at Perth, right?

“I mean, we did a lot of really good things in that game. They've got a just a ton of experience all the way through their roster.

“They've been in a lot of big games as a group with a lot of guys, and, you know, they found a way to win that one and you’ve got to give them credit for getting the stops in the runs and making plays at the end.

“And, yeah, sure, that one hurt a little bit but it was part of our journey.

“I think it helped us get better, you know, because as much as wins do one thing for your team, losses do another. You definitely have their attention a little bit easier after a loss.”

Friday night’s game will be the 100^th in Sixers colour for co-captain Isaac Humphries.

He’ll become just the 37^th player to reach that milestone in the club’s history and Wells was aware of the significance.

“Him and DJ have been the longest (current) tenured Sixers,” Wells said.

“They chose to come back here a few years ago to try to help this thing be turned around and you know, here we are.

“I know that he played in Sydney, DJ was in Sydney, and Ice played in Melbourne, you know, it's been quite a journey, right?

"And for him to get to the milestone with the franchise and to be playing as well as he is right now, it's a credit to him and his character and everything that he does as an individual to be ready to perform in these situations.

“I'm sort of like a proud father of the way he has played. It's been fun to watch him just take off this year.”

Friday night’s game gets underway at 7pm with limited tickets remaining.