Heartland rising: Phoenix form "kind of crazy"

The South East Melbourne Phoenix well and truly announced themselves as a championship contender on Sunday, by trashing crosstown rivals Melbourne by 25 points.

Many believe Josh King's side are doing this on the back of their defence, which is equal first in opposition points per possession (1.09) and ranks second in defensive rating (108.9) behind only United.

But the Phoenix's offence is just as potent through the opening 11 rounds, currently leading the competition in points per game (98.3) as well as offensive rating (119.1).

Having played against the Heartland club during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season, three-time champion Casey Prather has been witness to their unique qualities.

"They [Phoenix] are doing it defensively, offensively. I'm pretty sure they lead the league in points per game right now, which is kind of crazy," Prather said on Wednesday's NBL Now.

"They lead in a lot of different categories, three points, offensive rebounding, steals. This team is real."

A big part of that success on the offensive end has been the exceptional play of Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Nathan Sobey.

Through the first 15 games of the 2025-26 season, the 35-year-old guard is averaging a career best 21.1 points per game, as well as 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

"Nathan Sobey had a rep back in the day of not playing basketball the right way, but you look at what he's been doing for Josh King and it's absolutely unbelievable," Prather said.

"Just watching how he approaches the game. He's all about winning, all about the team, all about putting his body in a defence first and then just letting those points come."

Nathan Sobey is a $330,400 guard in the NBL’s official fantasy game, Beat The Coach, presented by Choice Hotels. Take on Damon Lowery and Beat the Coach in any round of the NBL26 Season and you’ll receive an entry into the end-of-season $10,000 prize draw, including $5,000 cash and $5,000 in Choice Hotels™ gift vouchers. Sign up to play now here.

The Phoenix, who sit in third with a 10-5 record, host Tasmania in Traralgon on Wednesday night, in the club's first ever Ignite Cup fixture.

"With guys like Scott Roth, who traditionally has been a phenomenal coach, getting this team to buy in and play the right way, you can never count them out," Prather said.

Wednesday's fixture tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.