'Short memory' Cotton torches Phoenix

• Bryce Cotton scores 28 points in 30 minutes for Adelaide 36ers
• Isaac Humphries adds 21 points and 10 rebounds in dominant win
• Head coach Mike Wells praises team’s defensive strides and rebounding as 36ers improve to 4-1 with strong home showing in Round 5

Five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton took it out on South East Melbourne, pouring in 28 points in 30 minutes as the Adelaide 36ers crushed the Phoenix 88-71 in Round 5 of NBL26 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

"At the end of the day I’ve been playing this game a long time, so I have a short memory — whether I have a great game or a bad one like the one against Sydney," Cotton said.

"I just take what the defense gives me, and whatever happens, happens."

The Kings held Cotton to just seven points six days ago in the 36ers (4-1) first loss of the season.

"I thought that the whole week of prep, we had a very professional approach," head coach Mike Wells said.

"The guys were open, we tried to move the needle a little bit forward every day, and I thought that was the appropriate response.

"We have a really good group that’s trying to figure it out. It’s a prideful group — they’re communicating, they’re connecting in a lot of different ways.

"We’re trying to get better on every possession, and defensively is where it was really important, where we looked like we made some strides."

"It wasn’t perfect — we had a lot of turnovers — but off the 19 turnovers they only had nine points. That’s a really important stat, hard to do with that many turnovers. But a commitment to get back and defend after those turnovers — that’s a big step.

"The rebounding too — three bigs in double-digit rebounds. Fifty-five rebounds in a 40-minute game is really hard to do."

36ers bigman Isaac Humphries production is elite, benefitting from Cotton's playmaking to start the season.

Humphries had 21 points on 9-from-14 from the field in 21 minutes to go with 10 boards.

"It’s been great," Cotton said of playing with Humphries.

"He was one of the first guys I thought of when I signed here — he’s always played well against me.

"Historically, I play well when I’ve got a big alongside me, so I was excited. Hopefully we continue to gel through the season."

Key Details

• Result: Adelaide 36ers 88 def. South East Melbourne Phoenix 71
• When: 16th October 2025
• Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Bryce Cotton (Adelaide 36ers) starred with 28 points, four rebounds, six assists, and three steals in 30 minutes.
• Jordan Hunter (South East Melbourne Phoenix) scored 16 points, and had seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks in 18 minutes.

What Happened

Adelaide seized control early, racing to a 28-16 lead in the first quarter behind Cotton's aggressive offense. The 36ers extended their advantage to 50-27 at halftime, showcasing their defensive dominance by holding the Phoenix to just 11 second-quarter points.

South East Melbourne showed signs of life in the third quarter, outscoring Adelaide 18-16 as Malique Lewis and Angus Glover connected from three-point range. However, the 36ers' substantial lead proved too difficult to overcome as they maintained a comfortable advantage throughout the final period.

Isaac Humphries was a force in the paint for Adelaide, contributing 21 points on exceptional 9-from-14 shooting while securing 10 rebounds and three blocks. His interior presence was instrumental in the 36ers' dominance on the glass, where they out-rebounded the Phoenix 55-45.

The 36ers' offensive efficiency was the difference-maker, as they shot 44.4% from the field compared to the Phoenix's dismal 32.9%. Adelaide particularly excelled at the free-throw line, connecting on 18-from-21 attempts (85.7%) while South East Melbourne struggled at 9-from-15 (60%).

Defensively, Adelaide limited the Phoenix's three-point shooting to just 25.8% (8-from-31), forcing contested shots throughout the night. Despite committing 19 turnovers, the 36ers' control of the boards and superior shooting efficiency ensured they maintained their lead, which ballooned to as many as 28 points during the contest.