Wells says defensive intent key to success

Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells says his side’s focus right from the opening tip-off is vital heading into Friday night’s clash against Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.

The 36ers were locked in on the defensive end last Sunday in Cairns, reducing the Taipans to just 12 points in the first quarter.

“The defense led to our offense, when we come out with that sort of energy and we guard and be disruptive it’s really fuels our offense,” Wells said this week.

“We want to set the tone early, you do that at the defensive end with everybody locked in.”

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Adelaide will need a similar intent against the Kings on Friday night, the last time the 36ers visited the Harbour City, Adelaide restricted Sydney to just 16 first quarter points.

“Since the Sydney game we are 4-2 are we have played some really, really good minutes,” Wells said.

“We have won a lot of quarters, and the group is continuing to grow.”

Adelaide will return to Sydney less than a month after a 111-96 success against the Kings on December 30, which has sparked a late season run.

“We have been locked since that Sydney game, the guys really wanted that one,” Wells said.

“One bounce of the ball and we win I Tasmania and we played a hell of a second half in Perth.

“We know how good a team they (Sydney) are, and we will dial it back in on Friday night and see what happens,”

Wells was particularly impressed with his side’s team defense in the 99-75 win against the Taipans in Cairns on Sunday.

“I would say for the majority of the night we were in rotations and not in scramble and that’s a big deal,” Wells said.

“That’s a huge deal when guys are communicating and locking in, and they know where the next guy has got to rotate to.

“We were doing what we needed to do to contest shots and we didn’t foul a jump shooter which is another big piece.”

Wells said how his side prepared for the Taipans game was a credit to the whole club, from ownership down.

“It was the longest road trip we have had and we locked in,” Wells said.

“I want to give credit to our support staff, our physios, Jazzy (team manager), our ownership for getting us up here.

“The players were truly professional in looking after themselves.”