The Adelaide 36ers continued their impressive form in the National Basketball League (NBL) with a commanding 90-65 victory over the Brisbane Bullets on March 15, 2024. This win marks the 36ers’ fifth consecutive triumph, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the league.
A closely contested opening quarter saw Adelaide leading by just three points, 23-20, before they took control in the second period. The home team outscored the Bullets 27-13 in the second quarter and followed up with another dominant performance in the third, where they added 27-12 to extend their lead at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Leading the charge for the 36ers was Bryce Cotton, who scored 20 points, alongside teammates Zylan Cheatham, who also contributed 20 points, and Isaac Humphries with 16 points. The Bullets, currently sitting eighth in the league with a record of 5-11, struggled significantly, marking their fourth consecutive defeat.
In the absence of key player Javon Freeman-Liberty, who was sidelined due to illness, the Bullets introduced Terry Taylor, a recent addition from the G League, to their lineup. The team also welcomed back Sam McDaniel, who played his first game since round two due to an ankle injury, tasked with defending against Cotton.
The second quarter saw Cotton break free after being contained early on, scoring a remarkable 13 points. He showcased his skills with a series of impressive plays, including an alley-oop dunk assisted by Cheatham. By halftime, the 36ers had established a decisive lead of 50-33, which quickly expanded to 55-33 following a three-point shot from Cheatham.
The third quarter was marked by further dominance from Adelaide, with Cheatham stepping into the spotlight and boosting the lead to 77-45 by the end of the period. The Bullets faced continued difficulties with their shooting, leading to a widening gap that reached 83-48 in the final quarter.
As the game neared its conclusion, both teams opted to rotate players from their benches, allowing the 36ers to comfortably secure their victory. The impressive performance not only highlights Adelaide’s current form but also raises questions regarding Brisbane’s ability to recover as they continue to face challenges in the season.
With this victory, the Adelaide 36ers reaffirm their status as a formidable contender in the NBL, while the Brisbane Bullets will need to reassess their strategies moving forward to improve their standing in the league.
