Bruised, battered, brilliant: Bryce delivers when it matters

In the biggest moments, the biggest stars rise to the top, and that’s exactly what Bryce Cotton did.

The six-time MVP tallied 19 points, 12 assists and 5 rebounds to help Adelaide defeat Sydney by one point and force Game 5 of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Championship Series.

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Cotton was battered and bruised by the end, but class came to the fore from one of the all-time greats.

In the aftermath of another thriller, the six-time MVP spoke about how the 36ers fought back to win on their home court.

“We stayed together, even when we weren’t playing great,” Cotton said to ESPN post-game.

“We stayed calm when Sydney went on a run. We stayed together, we didn't fold, and those are the things that it takes.

“We've been battle-tested all year, and now we’re one step closer to what we're trying to do.

“The next game is the final game for everybody, and what we do from here is on us.

“This is what we wanted, to give ourselves a chance. We did that. It's going to be a lot of fun on Easter.”

The other standout performer on Wednesday night was athletic forward Zylan Cheatham, who finished with 23 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds and was named Player of the Game.

“Arizona, stand up, that's all I gotta say [about Cheatham],” Cotton said.

“He's been a hell of a player all season long, and I don't know whether he gets the credit he deserves throughout the league.

“I know we sure appreciate him, and I'm glad to have him for a few more years.”

Game 5 of the Championship Series tips off at 2.30pm AEST on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena, live on ESPN and 10.