Melbourne United veteran Brad Newley has demanded his side stay ready as it remains in a battle to claim top spot on the NBL ladder and home court for the NBL finals.
The Sydney Kings won their 13th straight game on Thursday night, beating the Illawarra Hawks, bringing them equal with United on 18 wins and seven losses, although United still hold top spot via percentage.
Brad Newley wants Melbourne United to stay focus.Credit:Getty Images
United face Brisbane at John Cain Arena on Saturday and Cairns at the same venue on Monday, and while both teams will miss the semi-finals, they have been looking to play spoilers and won’t give the home side anything easy.
“If you take your foot off the brakes before the finals it can work two ways, you can freshen guys up, or you can lose your rotations,” Newley said.
“So everyone needs to stay ready to play and everyone is showing pretty good form at practice and these next two games are a mental test for us in staying locked in. But I think we have the characters to stay locked in and get the job done.”
Newley is still chasing his first championship win after a long career in Australia and Europe and he said the team knows it can’t afford to lose focus as it chases a second consecutive title.
“It’s what I came to United for,” Newley said.
“I’m just doing my bit and what I can do to help the team win is what I’m about. I’m gunning for that championship.”
The South East Melbourne Phoenix keep chasing wins to finish their season and they could play spoiler if they can beat Tasmania JackJumpers at John Cain Arena on Sunday.
The JackJumpers could still finish fourth if they win their remaining three games and Perth lose their last four games as the Wildcats lost to Adelaide in Perth on Thursday night.
Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell didn’t rule out forward Ryan Broekhoff as he continues training after a shoulder injury while guard Cam Gliddon was set to play on Sunday after missing the last game due to a bout of gastro.
NBL round 20
(All times AEST)
Thursday
Sydney Kings 107 d Illawarra Hawks 102 in OT
Adelaide 36ers 82 d Perth Wildcats 70
Friday
New Zealand Breakers v Tasmania JackJumpers, MyState Bank Arena, 7.30pm AEST
Saturday
Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets, John Cain Arena, 5.30pm AEST
Perth Wildcats v Cairns Taipans, RAC Arena, 8pm AEST
Sunday
South East Melbourne Phoenix v Tasmania JackJumpers, John Cain Arena, 1pm AEST
Sydney Kings v Adelaide 36ers, Qudos Bank Arena, 3pm AEST
Monday
Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans, John Cain Arena, 7.30pm AEST
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
Most Viewed in Sport
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article