Déjà vu doesn’t shake Cotton

Five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton isn't panicking about his uncharacteristicly quiet game against Sydney on Saturday.

The Adelaide 36ers star, who only managed seven points during the loss (his equal-sixth lowest score ever in the NBL), said it was déjà vu and is confident his team, currently 3-1 on the season, can bounce back.

"We played extremely poorly that game, so full credit to Sydney for controlling it," Cotton said during his weekly SEN SA Breakfast Show appearance.

"I was speaking to Mike [Wells] the day after the game and said to him I usually have one game like this once a year, usually around this point in the season.

"I had a similar game against United where I scored five points a few years ago too. It's just déjà vu.

"Now's not the time to hit the panic button. It counts as one loss whether we lose by one point or a thousand.

"You just need to try to bounce back and start another win streak."

Cotton, who admits he draws gravity and defensive attention because of his reputation in the league, is keen to see how his team responds on Thursday when they host South East Melbourne, after controlling the previous three wins.

"The Kings result is a great test for us and we'd rather have this sooner rather than later," the three-time NBL champion said.

"We made it too easy for them, especially in the paint, which forced us to play near-perfect basketball just to compete for stretches.

"We've tried to keep the energy really positive since the defeat, because the facts are we're still 3-1, so it's not the end of the world.

"Against the Phoenix we just need to continue to be who we are, because in theory, if you win three of every four games, you'll end up with a hell of a record."

Thursday's Round 5 clash, which marks the 300th NBL game for South East Melbourne's Nathan Sobey, tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

Listen to the full podcast here >> 36ers star, Bryce Cotton exclusively on SEN SA Breakfast (15.10.25)