Reignite the fire: Cheatham’s added edge in high-stakes Final

With a top-two spot locked in for the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Finals, the Adelaide 36ers will now shift their focus to Sunday’s Ignite Cup Final on the Gold Coast.

The first ever Final will present both teams the chance to take home silverware, as well as the majority of the competition’s largest-ever proze poll ($400,000).

The importance of the fixture isn’t lost on current Sixers forward Zylan Cheatham, especially going up against his former team New Zealand.

“It's a little bit different on Sunday just because there's something at stake, but we have to focus on playing our way and doing the right things, which will give ourselves a chance,” Cheatham said in Friday’s post-game press conference.

“Obviously, playing for money is an incentive and credit to our guys for being in this position to compete for it, but now we want to finish off what we started.

“Sunday's not only good for the money, but good for us to play in a single elimination game like that as preparation for the Playoffs so it's an advantage for us for sure.

“We'll be ready for whatever New Zealand will throw at us.

“I have some added incentive given it's my old team and I have some friends that are still there, so I want to get those bragging rights too.”

Cheatham’s coach Mike Wells echoed his thoughts, explaining his team intend to make the most of this opportunity.

“I was in the NBA when the NBA Cup started and I know that guys always like to compete, even more so if money's on the line,” Well said.

“I think the Ignite Cup is a fantastic concept and it's important for us to try and win the first one.

“We're excited to play and the main thing is that I want us to win on Sunday, because our players and support staff deserve some extra money and I want them to get that.”

The inaugural NBL Ignite Cup Final between Adelaide and New Zealand tips off at 4.30pm (3.30pm local) AEDT on Sunday, live on ESPN and Channel 10.