The 36ers who need to deliver in Game 3

On Tuesday night, the second Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Championship Series contender will be locked in when Adelaide hosts South East Melbourne in Game 3 of their Playoff Series.

The 36ers have the home court advantage at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, a venue they have won 13 of their 19 matches this season.

But the Phoenix arguably have the momentum, after their huge comeback victory at John Cain Arena on Saturday.

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It’s that momentum and overall defensive capabilities which make NBL champion Damon Lowery believe the Heartland club will create history on Tuesday and qualify for their first ever Championship Series.

“I don't think Adelaide has the defensive capabilities to stop this South East Melbourne Phoenix team; they can only hope they shoot badly,” Lowery said on NBL Now.

“[A big part of that is] John Brown III, who will set the tone immediately in Game 3 tonight.”

To combat that defensive pressure, Lowery knows six-time MVP Bryce Cotton is going to be aggressive, but also acknowledges that he needs support from his teammates.

“Bryce isn't going to die wondering; he needs to have a big game, because I don't trust a supporting cast,” Lowery said.

“[In terms of that cast] everybody's quick to point at head coach Mike Wells, how come you're not playing Isaac Humphries, but Isaac has to make himself playable. Stop getting in foul trouble early. Stop being so inefficient, stop being so ineffective, and then you'll play more.

“Flynn Cameron was that guy [to support Bryce] all regular season, but he is no longer that guy. He hasn't produced in a while, I don't know why, but he'd been great at three-point shooting all year. He's got to step up and make shots. He's got to take the pressure off of Bryce.

“[In saying that] Nick Rakocevic, that dude is just wired for this. He's the kind of guy who will go and get an offensive rebound, he'll make a hard foul, or he'll do something to inject themselves into the game.”

Tuesday’s sudden death Game 3 tips off at 7.30pm AEDT on Tuesday, live on ESPN.

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