'We need to keep building': Bruton

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton was thrilled in how his side responded on the back of a three-game losing streak to beat Brisbane Bullets 108-77 at the Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

Bruton said the club went through a ‘mini training camp’ during the week as the 36ers prepare for the next four games on their home court.

“Proud of how we battled this week at practice and then coming into the game undermanned at the last minute, the way next man standing stepped up,” Bruton said.

Adelaide, who were without seven-time club MVP Daniel Johnson due to gastro, showed their intent from the opening tip and got a game0high 25 points from power forward Robert Franks.

Bruton was thrilled with how his boom off-season signing handled the situation, playing against his former team for the first time.

“This man next to me (Franks) with his mindset and the way he came out and played and delivered and got after it on the defense to the offensive end,” Bruton said.

Franks said the side wanted to prove the first half of NBL23 is not what the club is about.

“Coach was hard on us this week and we wanted to respond for him and this fan group to start this home stretch,” Franks said.

“We underachieved in the first half of the season and our desire is to play in the post season.

“We just had to change our mentality, this was a good start, but we have to continue to get better.”

Antonius Cleveland starred with 20 points, nine rebounds and a number of highlight plays which got the home fans out of their seats.

“AC is a tremendous athlete and he’s big for us when he is put there playing above the rim in the fast break and getting steals. That is something I expect out of AC,” Franks said.