Wells cracks the code with star imports

A more aggressive Zylan Cheatham and John Jenkins made their presence felt early in Game 3, and Adelaide coach Mike Wells knows that edge must continue if the 36ers are to force the Championship Series to a decider.

Jenkins, one of the game’s elite shooters, had just 15 shot attempts and 22 points across the opening two games, but erupted in Sunday’s clash at a record crowd-filled Qudos Bank Arena. He drained all four of his three-point attempts in the first quarter alone, piling on 14 points in a blistering start.

Cheatham, who had been selective to a fault with just 15 attempts across the first two games, also flipped the script. He attacked with intent, finishing with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting.

Despite the 13-point loss to Sydney, the message was clear. Adelaide now must win in Game 4 at home on Wednesday, and again in Sydney next Sunday, to claim a first title since 2002.

With Bryce Cotton, DJ Vasiljevic and Cameron commanding heavy offensive attention, opportunities can be limited, but Wells remains confident Jenkins can continue to deliver when called upon.

“There's always that balance and he (Jenkins) got hot and cooking, and we found him a little bit there and he made a few players, but then you miss a couple and you wonder if he's a little bit tired or if we need to try and get him another shot or two,” Wells said.

“He cooled off there a little bit and then he came back, but that's just the rhythm of the game to be honest with you and I know John's a true professional, and we've been looking for that way to get him in the game and searching for it.

“I think I've got it and it's better late than never to be honest with you.”

What Wells has consistently valued in Cheatham is his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

An elite athlete capable of producing highlight plays at the rim on both ends, he also plays a crucial role in holding Adelaide’s defence together. Offensively, his screening, passing and presence help generate looks for teammates.

At times, though, he’s been hesitant to back himself as a scorer. That changed in Game 3.

Wells wants that same attacking mindset to continue in Game 4 on Wednesday, and potentially Game 5 back in Sydney next Sunday.

"It's hard to describe what he (Cheatham) does for our group, he's such a connector and I think that's the best way to describe him and he does connect us on both sides of the ball," Wells said.

"He's got such a role and him and Bryce have great chemistry, and he captains us on both sides of the ball and we love what he does.

"It pains me in the last couple of minutes to try and go a little bit smaller and have to play a little bit different to see if we can take a shot and make a couple of threes to take him out, but that's always my debate when I go small like that ... which big I want to leave out there.

"It's a feel moment and I've kinda gone every way on that this year, but he's a tremendous player and probably an even better person."

Game 4 of the Series tip off at 7.30pm AEDT on Wednesday night in Adelaide, live on ESPN and 10 Drama (Adelaide and Sydney).