Anstey says Cotton just delivered his greatest game

Two-time NBL MVP Chris Anstey knows a thing or two about incredible performances in the NBL.

The three-time champion scored more than 30 points in a game on 20 occasions, including a career-high 40 against the Hawks on November 22, 2006.

He's also watched in amazement at five-time MVP Bryce Cotton during his 10 seasons and 271 games in Australia. So he's in a strong position to comment on Cotton's exceptional performances, including Wednesday's against Illawarra.

The three-time MVP, despite dealing with what coach Mike Wells labelled as "nausea", tallied 31 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, while not committing a turnover.

He was visibly upset and emotional during the game, but still turned in an incredible, game-winning performance.

During Thursday's episode of NBL Now, Anstey said it was the 'best he's seen' from Cotton, on a challenging night for the superstar.

"I marvel at his (Cotton's) level of professionalism and his talent," Anstey said on NBL Now.

"That may be the best game I've ever seen Bryce Cotton play, given the circumstances.

"We really saw the chasm of the level of importance between what Bryce Cotton can do for his team and what JaVale McGee can do for his team when it really really matters.

"There's no question Bryce Cotton's the MVP."

On Wednesday, Cotton opened up on an emotional evening on and off court.

"I was dealing with a lot. I was able to channel my energy and focus on staying in the games and giving it all I got," he told SEN SA.

"Last thing I wanted to do, despite what I was going through is come out [the game] and we end up losing. That would have really bothered me.

"If we were going to strike out, I wanted to strike out swinging at least."

The 10-3 36ers now travel to Melbourne to face the Phoenix from 8pm AEDT on Saturday, live on ESPN.