Tempo key to win in Sydney: Bruton

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton was thrilled with how his side responded to Sydney’s third quarter run in the 92-88 win at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday night.

Sydney outscored Adelaide 29-18 in the third quarter to take a three-point lead into the final break, but Adelaide outscored the reigning champions 24-17 in the last 10 minutes to take home victory.

“The way we controlled the tempo of that game, I think the guys did a good job,” Bruton said.

“Sydney, they’re a talented team, they made a run and they are great at what they do.

“But this guy next to me (McCarron), constructed our team at the end of the game was key.”

Bruton said he was pleased in his side’s effort in crunch time, Adelaide holding the Kings to just four points in the final 5:46 of game time to take a crucial road victory.

“It’s a credit to our boys to take the right shots and close out on the defensive end,” Bruton said.

“To hold Sydney to 88 points, they’re the hottest team in the league in transition.

“They lived in the paint tonight and there’s a few things we need to clean up.”

The Adelaide mentor had glowing praise for a number of his squad, who dug deep to get the club’s first win on the road this season.

“For AC (Cleveland), who didn’t practice all week, I thought he gave us some solid minutes, and for Sunday Dech and Drmic to come in and contribute, and even the guys who didn’t play tonight, they’re itching to hit the floor,” Bruton said.

“I keep reminding my players that every minute you’re out there to give us your best because we have guys who haven’t touched the floor yet and when they do, they’ll be ready.”

Adelaide had five players in double figure points in Friday night’s win, but Bruton wants more from his new-look squad.

“I would like seven guys in double figures, it’s hard to pick your poison with our team,” he said.

Bruton said Dech, Drmic and Hyrum Harris have been key off the bench to spark the defensive intensity.

“They set the energy on the defensive end. My starting group is working towards that,” he said.

In the build up to Friday night’s win, Sydney Kings owner Paul Smith dubbed the 36ers the “ZGolden State Warriors”, but Bruton had no response to the comments.

“I don’t get into that, for Paul he deserves to say whatever he wants as the owner of the team, my focus is our guys, if that’s what helps you, then use that, but for me it’s about being better today,” Bruton said.

“This is our first road win, we have two wins in a row now, so we are ticking boxes, so we are setting goals now for our team, that’s where I’m at.

“As for the outside noise, that’s for you guys to keep talking and to keep building that up.”

Adelaide’s challenge next round will be a home-away double header against New Zealand on Brett Maher Court on Friday night, before a trip to John Cain Arena to play South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.

“We have a little bit of confidence but next week is two new opponents and two new strategies,” Bruton said.

“We will go back to the drawing board and the coaching staff will put a game plan in place to make sure we give ourselves every chance to be successful at home and on the road.”