Reinforcements on the way for MVP

A record-breaking first-half shooting onslaught from the South East Melbourne Phoenix came at the wrong time for Trevor Gleeson and the Adelaide 36ers, who fought back hard but ultimately went down by 14 points.

Six-time MVP Bryce Cotton did all he could to help his team, with 37 points and eight assists in the game, playing all 40 minutes of the game.

“We need another threat from there without question,” Gleeson said about getting his star some help.

“You know Bryce is an MVP for a reason. His quality and he creates opportunities for everybody else.

“I didn’t take Bryce out when he needed a rest, but I was looking down the bench at who can help us.

“Then you put some subs in, and they turn the ball over, and you lose that pressure.”

The 36ers have been navigating a tough start to the season in terms of injuries to key guys, but Gleeson is hoping reinforcements are right around the corner.

“Our depth is really struggling at the moment, and hopefully we’ll get Flynn [Cameron] back soon,” he added.

“Then hopefully we’ll get Bul [Kuol] back in December sometime, and it gives us a little bit more depth.”

Cameron, who was ruled out in the first game of the season with an ankle injury, has been reportedly making good progress upon his return.

Kuol, on the other hand, has begun to ramp up his work as he continues to build back from an ACL injury last season.

Adelaide next travels to New Zealand on Friday to face the Breakers from 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.