Kelly backs stars as Phoenix fan flames

The South East Melbourne Phoenix will be left to stew on their fourth consecutive loss to begin the season, with a nine-day break before their next game. 

It might be just what the Phoenix need, after falling to their 13th loss in 14 games across the past two seasons, and never seriously being in contention against Adelaide on Thursday night.

Outside of strong performances from Matt Hurt (32 points) and Derrick Walton Jr (11 assists), as well as an encouraging display from Next Stars Malique Lewis (14 points), there was little to write home about in a 10-point loss. 

“We got a nine day break,” Mike Kelly said post game. “Sitting on this loss is going to be pretty hard for the next week.”

It was a tough week leading in for Kelly's men, who found themselves in the spotlight leading into a must-win game.

20 points in the first half, the coach was quickly left wondering what needed to change.

“Anytime you give up 52 points in a half, unless you’re scoring freely yourself, it’s going to be difficult,” Kelly said.

The Phoenix backcourt once again struggled to deliver, with Nathan Sobey scoring 9 points on 33 per cent shooting and Derrick Walton Jr scoring 10 at 31 per cent.

“They’re both phenomenal players,” Kelly said.

“You can see them making individual plays or plays for the group at times ... but it’s just having them do it it on the same day consistently and within the team framework.

“I’ve seen it in flashes and I think it’s going to be great.”

Kelly understands that there is a lot of pressure on his star guards to perform, but says it will take time for them to find their groove.

“If we play defence, it will give them a little more time to not feel as though we have to do it all on the offensive end,” Kelly added.

“Take a day to take a breath and then go through this game and continue to build. We know we need to do the work to get better.”