Vasiljevic says finals are new ball game

Adelaide 36ers captain DJ Vasiljevic said the playoffs are a completely new challenge heading into Thursday night’s Play-In game against Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.

The 36ers have qualified for the post-season for the first time since the 2017-2018 and Vasiljevic understands everyone in the top six now have a clean slate.

“We were able to find form in January and kind of click and make our push,” Vasiljevic said.

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“But we were disappointing in our last three games, but now we are in the playoffs for the first time in seven years and hopefully we can achieve something.

“It’s 0-0 now, it doesn’t matter if you finished first or finished sixth, anyone can win it.”

Adelaide has defeated the Kings on the past two visits to Qudos Bank Arena, but Vasiljevic knows those two results have no significance come Thursday night.

“Nothing, it’s 0-0 now, yes, we won the series, but it doesn’t mean anything, it can go either way,” Vasiljevic said.

“They will come with a bigger intensity; they will come out firing on their home court.

“It’s the playoffs, everyone is going to have my heart, more fight and more energy.”

Vasiljevic said his side will be ready to go after fighting back through the back half of the regular season to qualify for the top six.

“We have had really good practices, we understand now it’s the playoffs, if you lose, you’re done, if you win, you continue,” Vasiljevic said.

“We are all back healthy now and we are all excited to play.”

SYDNEY KINGS vs ADELAIDE 36ERS
Qudos Bank Arena, Thursday 7pm ACDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports

OVERALL
Played 111, Adelaide 63, Sydney 48

LIKELY STARTERS
Kings: Jaylen Adams, Izayah Le Afa, Bul Kuol, Alex Toohey, Cameron Oliver.
36ers: Kendric Davis, DJ Vasiljevic, Lat Mayen, Montrezl Harrell, Isaac Humphries.

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Jan 24, 2025 – 36ers 105 def Kings 96 at Qudos Bank Arena
Dec 30, 2024 – 36ers 111 def Kings 96 at Qudos Bank Arena
Oct 12, 2024 – 36ers 89 def Kings 79 at AEC
Sep 22, 2024 – Kings def 36ers 94 at RAC Arena (HoopsFest)
Feb 2, 2024 – 36ers 85 def Kings 78 at AEC

STATS THAT MATTER
- Adelaide holds an 8-1 record when allowing fewer than 90 points this season.
- The 36ers have won the first quarter in each of its past four games against Sydney.
- Adelaide has won five of its past six games against Sydney.
- The 36ers ranks 2nd in the league for field goal percentage this season (47.7%).
- Adelaide ranks 2nd in the league for free throws made per game this season (18.1).
- Isaac Humphries ranks 2nd for FG% (61.6%) this season.
- Adelaide has three of the top 10 scorers in the league (Davis, Harrell, Vasiljevic)
- Since Round 15, Jason Cadee has recorded 29 assists and just five turnovers
- Adelaide has used the same starting five in its past 11 games.
- Kendric Davis has scored 20+ points in 11 consecutive appearances.
- Montrezl Harrell has recorded 11 double-doubles this season.
- Isaac Humphries ranks 2nd for steals + blocks per game (2.4) this season.
- Kendric Davis has recorded 5+ assists in 21 consecutive appearances.
- Montrezl Harrell ranks 1st for points in the paint per game (13.4) this season.
- Kendric Davis ranks 2nd for points per game (25.6) this season.
- Montrezl Harrell ranks 3rd for rebounds per game (9.2) this season.