Wells has plans to start games better

Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells said his side has been working on starting games better this week ahead of Saturday’s game against New Zealand Breakers in Auckland.

The 36ers have had to fight back from big half-time deficits in the past two wins at home against Tasmania and Cairns and Wells hopes the first half this Saturday is different.

“We are trying to find a rhythm to play 40 minutes, we cannot play 20 minutes over in New Zealand on a road game,” Wells said this week.

“Hopefully we can find a way to start the game a bit different.

“We are working out different stuff during the week, when we practice, how we practice what the schedule looks like.

“This will be different already this weekend as we are on the road.”

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Wells expects New Zealand to come out firing, especially after the Breakers defeated the Kings in Sydney last Sunday.

“You’re going to take a home team’s best punch early and we have to be more detailed, more focused, more organised,” Wells said.

“They have a good team, and they have started the season well, they got our full attention.”

After scoring a game-high 36 points in the win against the Taipans, Wells said star power forward Montrezl Harrell could expect some extra attention from the Breakers.

“His impact has been felt in a lot of different ways on our team,” Wells said.

“I feel like he is still an NBA player.

“It’s unfortunate Jarell (Martin) was hurt, but good things happen sometimes.

“As we get Jarell back in rhythm, we will see some different line-ups and hopefully have a different look as we go forward.”

Adelaide will battle New Zealand Breakers this Saturday at Spark Arena in Auckland, you can watch all the action live and exclusive on ESPN via Kayo Sports from 5pm ACST.