Built to last: Sobey thrives at 35

The State Basketball Centre erupted with “MVP” chants as Nathan Sobey almost single-handedly took down the Illawarra Hawks.

The 35-year-old was simply brilliant, with 13 points in overtime alone to put the result beyond doubt.

In his 12th season as an NBL player, Sobey is producing arguably his best year yet.

“He’s got that kind of athleticism and body where it’s not slowing down,” former Boomers and Brisbane Bullets teammate Cam Gliddon said on NBL Now.

“He’s had a couple of years where he hasn’t shot the ball to the best of his ability, but it’s come back. He’s confident.

“It must be a bit of the coaching change [to Josh King] … that must be doing him wonders as well.

“He just seems like he’s playing so free. His teammates have a lot of confidence in him, he has a lot of confidence in his teammates and it just seems like … he just seems like he’s in a zone.”

Sobey had an equal career-high 37 points in a thrilling win over the Hawks and is well and truly in the mix for MVP honours, alongside the likes of Bryce Cotton, JaVale McGee and Kendric Davis.

He's averaged 22.7 points, 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals a game.

“He’s playing at an unbelievable level this season. He’s been huge for us,” King said post-match.

And he’s playing a key role in the Phoenix’s pursuit of a maiden title.

Now boasting a 16-7 record in outright second place, history beckons in the Heartland.

“This right now is their biggest opportunity to go and win a championship,” NBL champion Pete Hooley said.

South East Melbourne saw strong contributions from their full squad on Thursday night, with Angus Glover (22 points) and DJ Mitchell (16) among those to make an impact off the bench.

“They’re probably going to have to go through Bryce Cotton to get there, but they have all the pieces … Sobey’s firing, the bench is strong, the defence is elite.

“This is their year to go and have a real crack at it.”