Can 36ers find 'Killa' instinct?

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

"We’ve got a couple key pieces out but we believe, healthy and whole, we are right there as one of the best teams in the league."

Kendric Davis says the Adelaide 36ers are “right there as one of the best teams in the league”, ahead of a crucial test against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday night.

It’s been a challenging month for the 36ers, with Davis and fellow star Montrezl Harrell suspended for their role in an incident against Melbourne United, and now Sunday Dech and DJ Vasiljevic sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Despite a lack of continuity with its roster, Adelaide is on the cusp of the top six, and with plenty of upside.

“We’ve got a couple key pieces out but we believe, healthy and whole, we are right there as one of the best teams in the league,” Davis told Code Sports.

Key to the 36ers’ success, the lethal combination of Davis and Harrell, the pair dubbed Killa K and Monsta.

“We both fiery competitors, we both live, breathe and die basketball, we both super passionate,” Davis said.

Both players are very much in the mix for league MVP honours, and it’s Davis in particular who’s on a hot streak rivalling the best imports the NBL has ever seen.

The 25-year-old is averaging 23.3 points and 7.2 assists per game, with three straight 30-point outings.

Now, another challenge awaits, and it's a chance for the 36ers to start to stamp themselves as legitimate Finals contenders as a starting point, and from there, anything can happen.

“The plan is to get after them. They can’t be comfortable. They’re a very talented team,” Phoenix coach Josh King said.

It’s a must-watch Saturday night as South East Melbourne hosts its first open-air game at John Cain Arena, live on ESPN from 8pm AEDT.