36ers target United “revenge game”

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Still two wins outside the top six, every game from here is more-or-less must-win for the 36ers.

The Adelaide 36ers want nothing more than to get revenge on Melbourne United, after they were smashed by 20 points the last time the teams met and 27 earlier in the season.

Of course, no one will forget the fireworks at John Cain Arena on November 17, which saw Montrezl Harrell and Kendric Davis suspended, but ultimately Adelaide’s performance fell short against one of the league’s best.

That defeat led to the 36ers losing seven of their next eight, and putting them in a precarious position when it comes to Finals spots.

But there’s no doubting their elite talent and they showed against Sydney, when it all comes together, they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Still two wins outside the top six, every game from here is more-or-less must-win for Adelaide.

“It’s a revenge game for us, we know what they did to us last time,” DJ Vasiljevic said.

“It will be packed out, it will be very hostile, and it will be exciting.

“It’s great for the league, it’s going to be prime time, so let’s jump ball and play.”

Adding more fuel to the fire, the game will be the first of the Summer Shootout, with United nominating Adelaide as its opponent in a bid to tally the highest score of the tournament and win $50,000.

A sell-out Adelaide Entertainment Centre crowd and a 36ers team full of confidence after their best win of the season will have other ideas.

“We came out desperate last game, and we got to continue this going into the New Year,” Vasiljevic said.

“We need to find an identity defensively. We can have all the Xs and Os, but if we don’t come desperate, what’s the point of writing everything on the board.

“We came out hungry and we set the tone (against Sydney).

“There is still a chance (for the playoffs) and it can be done ... I’ve done it before in Sydney when we won the first championship.

“We will stick together and keep moving forward.”

Adelaide hosts Melbourne on Saturday night, live on ESPN, with fans able to submit their entries for the Summer Shootout until just before tip-off (5.30pm AEDT).