Just when it looked like the South East Melbourne Phoenix’s NBL season was headed for an early demise, the squad has come roaring back to life with consecutive road wins over the league-leading Illawarra Hawks. After stumbling out of the gates to an 0-5 start, the Phoenix are suddenly one of the hottest teams in the NBL and emerging as a serious contender.
Phoenix Rise From the Ashes
The Phoenix began the year ice cold, dropping their first five contests to fall to the bottom of the NBL standings. But rather than fold, South East Melbourne has shown remarkable resilience to turn their season around. Led by the stellar play of NBA prospect Joe Wieskamp and veteran floor general Derrick Walton Jr, the Phoenix have reeled off five wins in their last seven outings to surge back above .500 at 10-9.
Statement Wins Over the Hawks
The Phoenix’s renaissance has been highlighted by back-to-back statement victories on the road against the formidable Illawarra Hawks. In their first meeting, Wieskamp erupted for a career-high 22 points as the Phoenix rallied from an early deficit to stun the Hawks 110-105. South East Melbourne followed that up by cooling off Illawarra’s red-hot offense, which came in averaging nearly 110 points per game during a five-game win streak.
We knew we had to make a stand. To come into Wollongong and get two wins against the top team in the league is huge for our confidence.
– Phoenix star Nathan Sobey, who had 25 points in the latest win over the Hawks
Depth Fueling Phoenix’s Surge
South East Melbourne’s turnaround has been fueled by contributions up and down the roster. In addition to the stellar play of Wieskamp and Walton Jr, the Phoenix have gotten big games from the likes of Nathan Sobey, Matt Hurt, and Dane Pineau. That depth and balance makes the Phoenix a tough matchup for any opponent.
- Sobey: 25 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast in latest win vs Hawks
- Hurt: Season-high 17 pts, 5 reb in first win vs Hawks
- Pineau: Averaging 10.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.2 bpg on season
Coach King Pushing Right Buttons
Much credit for the Phoenix’s impressive form goes to head coach Josh King. After a challenging start to his NBL head coaching career, the rookie mentor has made all the right adjustments to get his squad back on track. From tweaking the starting lineup to designing creative schemes to spring Wieskamp and Walton Jr free, King is showing why he was a highly touted coaching prospect.
We’re starting to really believe in ourselves and trust each other out there. Coach King has done a great job of putting us in positions to succeed.
– Phoenix guard Derrick Walton Jr
Tough Road Ahead
The Phoenix will look to keep the good vibes rolling as they aim to climb the NBL ladder, but the path won’t be easy. Dates with fellow contenders Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats, and Sydney Kings dot the upcoming schedule. But if the Phoenix can maintain their momentum and newfound chemistry, a top-four finish and favorable postseason seeding are well within reach.
| Upcoming Phoenix Schedule |
|---|
| Jan 3 vs Melbourne United |
| Jan 7 at Perth Wildcats |
| Jan 11 vs Sydney Kings |
After a sluggish start, the South East Melbourne Phoenix have worked their way back into the thick of the NBL playoff race. With Joe Wieskamp and Derrick Walton Jr leading the way and the team’s depth shining through, the Phoenix will be a squad no one wants to face come postseason time. The NBL is officially on notice – the Phoenix are rising from the ashes and ready to soar.
