Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Wells emphatically stated the NBL’s Most Valuable Player race is over following a stunning performance by star guard Bryce Cotton on Valentine’s Day. Cotton’s 42-point outing propelled the 36ers to a 92-89 come-from-behind victory over the New Zealand Breakers, solidifying his claim for the league’s top individual honor. The win also secured a top-three finish for Adelaide and a home final at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
The dramatic contest saw the 36ers overcome a significant deficit, trailing by as much as 18 points, before a dominant final quarter fueled by Cotton’s scoring prowess. Wells didn’t mince words in his post-game press conference, asserting that Cotton’s performance was decisive. The MVP discussion has largely centered around Cotton and Sydney Kings guard Kendric Davis this season, but Wells believes Cotton has now separated himself from the competition.
“It’s over. If it’s not over tonight, then tell me what the definition is,” Wells said, according to reports from ESPN. “He played 40 minutes, scored 42 points, guarded the other team’s best player, did everything. Most valuable player to his team. This thing is over. If you’re not voting for Bryce Cotton, who has been the best player in this league since the day he got here, I want to recognize why. I want to see the votes. It’s not even close. The MVP race is over today.”
Cotton, characteristically humble, offered a brief response to his coach’s strong endorsement. “I’m not going to say he’s wrong,” Cotton said, as reported by the Adelaide 36ers official website.
Cotton’s Game-Winning Performance
Cotton’s 42 points included a crucial three-pointer that sealed the victory for Adelaide. He also contributed four rebounds and four assists, showcasing his all-around impact on the game. The 36ers were sparked by DJ Vasiljevic, who also had a strong second half, contributing significantly to the team’s comeback. Adelaide outscored New Zealand 33-18 in the fourth quarter, completing the remarkable turnaround.
The Breakers, despite missing key players, presented a formidable challenge, leading for much of the game. They were led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Isaiah Brockington, who combined for 24 points in the first half. However, the 36ers’ resilience and Cotton’s brilliance proved too much to overcome.
Rival Coaches Weigh In on MVP Contenders
The MVP conversation extends beyond Cotton, and Davis. Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie highlighted the candidacy of Kristian Doolittle, suggesting he could build a strong case with a defensive performance against Davis in an upcoming matchup between Perth and Sydney. “What I’m really looking forward to is they have a player that there’s a lot of speculation around being an MVP,” Rillie said, according to Fox Sports Australia. “I have a guy in that change room that I think is pretty good defensively, so let’s go and see what happens.”
Here’s a look at the game’s key stats:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Cotton (Adelaide) | 42 | 4 | 4 |
| DJ Vasiljevic (Adelaide) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What’s Next for the 36ers
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, the Adelaide 36ers, currently holding a 23-9 record, will look to maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs. Their final regular season game is against the Perth Wildcats, a potentially crucial contest for playoff seeding. The team’s performance in the remaining games will be closely watched as they prepare for a championship run. Fans can catch live coverage of the NBL and WNBL seasons on Kayo Sports.
The debate surrounding the NBL MVP award is sure to continue, but Mike Wells has made a compelling case for Bryce Cotton. The coming weeks will determine whether voters agree with his assessment and award Cotton with his sixth Andrew Gaze Trophy.
What are your thoughts on the MVP race? Share your opinions in the comments below!
