Running on empty: Injury crisis leaves Bullets short-handed

The hits keep coming for the Brisbane Bullets.

With Casey Prather, Dakota Mathias and Lamar Patterson sidelined for the season, star import Jaylen Adams gone and head coach Stu Lash departing, the club is now staring down the prospect of losing Tyrell Harrison and Javon Freeman-Liberty as well.

“We’re running out of bodies here … I don’t know what we’ve done, but we’re running out of bodies,” interim coach Darryl McDonald said.

A heavy collision between Harrison and Mitch Norton saw the Bullets big man leave the court limping and “bleeding inside his mouth”. He did not return after the first quarter.

Speaking in his post-game press conference, McDonald revealed Freeman-Liberty could also be sidelined.

“I think Javon may be out with his hamstring, so we may be down another guard,” he said.

“Scary. This is what we’re dealing with and what we’ve dealt with all year. Injuries have been a problem for us.”

The Bullets were impressive in the first half against Perth on Thursday night, but were then held scoreless for more than five minutes as the Wildcats went on a 21-0 run in the third quarter.

Just like that, the game was effectively over.

“We go into games with what we have, and the guys that go onto the court just compete. That’s all I ask you to do, is play hard,” McDonald said of the Bullets’ growing injury toll.

Jacob Holt’s continued development offered a positive for the home team, with the young centre producing 17 points and seven rebounds.

McDonald singled out the 22-year-old and skipper Mitch Norton as examples of the energy and intent he is looking to see from his team.

“I think the more he plays, the more he gets better,” McDonald said of Holt.

“His energy is infectious … just give me that. Just give me that energy every time you step on the floor.

“What he does and what he gives us is definitely a positive. His opportunities will come now most likely with Tyrell out.”

The Bullets’ task does not get any easier, with a clash against ladder-leading Adelaide on Sunday.