Wells praises defence after huge Hawks win

Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells says his side’s effort on the defensive was the reason behind Sunday afternoon’s 93-79 success against Illawarra Hawks at the Entertainment Centre.

With the game in the balance at 76-73 in the fourth quarter, Adelaide held the NBL’s best offensive team to just six points in the final seven minutes.

Wells had praise for his side’s ability to turn up the heat at the defensive end and switch on after  giving up the game’s first 10 points inside the opening minutes.

“That’s the best offensive team in the league, I have a ton of respect for them and their players, their system,” Wells said.

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“I think it’s a credit to our guys to hang in there and hold them to 79 points, they are a very, very talented team, they are a hard team to guard.

“They average 98 points a game, so to restrict them to 79, I give our guys credit.

“To have another slow start, but to win the quarter and be up 26-22 at the end of the first, to hold them to 12 points in the fourth, I thought we shared the ball.”

Adelaide was aggressive at the offensive end to, attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line 30 times, while also grabbing 13 offensive rebounds and outscoring Illawarra 23-4 in fast break points.

“We talked about space and pace and all those things on offense,” Wells said.

“I give our guys a lot of credit for dialing in on the game plan and competing.

“Those fast break points, it’s a huge deal, you add in the free throws and the offensive rebounds and assists, we were really good because we had three primary scorers.

“But when we get in transition and get others involved, I thought Sunday’s threes in the fourth were just huge.”

Adelaide had 19 assists in the home win against Illawarra, including 10 to import point guard Kendric Davis, the 36ers’ second best team total since 23 at Hoops Fest against the Kings.

The 36ers had three scorers, Montrezl Harrell (25 points), DJ Vasiljevic (23 points) and Davis (16 points) put on 64 of the team’s 93 against the Hawks.

“I think we know Trez is going to get his points, and DJ is going to get his points and KD is going to get his points, but for us to play fast and get more possessions, along with our post up game, that was a huge advantage for us,” Wells said.

“We are still kind of growing and I thought for Jarell (Martin) had his best game for the year.

“There a re lot of possessions out there besides the post up game and the pick ‘n’ roll game where we can be way better at, that’s what we will work on this week.”

Adelaide are back on court next Sunday when the 36ers travel to John Cain Arena to battle Melbourne United from 2pm ACDT.