Bullets send Lemanis out in style

In the final game of the NBL21 regular season, the Bullets sent Coach Andrej Lemanis off with not only a standing ovation, but an impressive victory. In front of an energetic Brisbane crowd, the Bullets defeated South East Melbourne Phoenix, 94-84.

After 407 NBL games as a Head Coach, including seven years at the helm of the Australian Boomers and the last five years at the Bullets, Lemanis departs the NBL to move onto the next chapter of his coaching career. 

The Bullets came into the game sitting just outside playoff contention but for Phoenix, the equation was simple. Win the game and they finish third, taking on the Perth Wildcats in the semi-final, Iose and face the NBL21 regular season champions, Melbourne United.

Brisbane put on an exciting show in their last game of the season, with contributors across the board. Five players scored in double figures and it was a whole team effort on defence and on the boards. 

Lamar Patterson led all scorers in a classy display finishing with 19, at an efficient 53% from the field. 

After an outstanding season and being named as an NBL MVP nominee, Nathan Sobey was once again impressive in all facets of the game with a 16 point, 11 rebound double-double and adding four assists. 

BJ Johnson and Anthony Drmic both impressed, finishing with 16 points apiece and Jason Cadee added 12 point. 

It was an entertaining start from the Bullets with a Patterson three followed by a Hodgson dunk to start the game. BJ Johnson athleticism was on show on both ends of the floor adding six early points to spark the Bullets.

Cadee extended the lead to seven with a four point play late in the first. Kyle Adnam and Reuben Te Rangi reciprocated with triples on the other end, but the Bullets had done enough to take a four point lead into quarter time. 

Phoenix’s, Ben Moore was impressive on the boards, creating secondary opportunities and Mitch Creek led from the front to get the visiting side rolling on a 12-3 run to begin the second quarter. 

Nathan Sobey joined the party, catching fire in the second quarter with a four point play to overtake Bryce Cotton as the NBL21 league total top scorer. 

With both teams going back and forth late in the second, a crafty Cadee floater on the buzzer gave the home side a one point lead at the half.

Brisbane came out of half time with plenty of energy, with Johnson flying through the air for a put back dunk to get the crowd roaring. 

The Bullets continued to show different looks on defence forcing the Phoenix into turnovers and capitalising on the offensive end to extend their lead. Back to back three’s from the Phoenix drew the Bullets lead back to three but Patterson responded with a three of his own to keep the visitors at an arm’s length. 

Brisbane continued to crash the offensive glass throughout the second half, led by Tyrell Harrison and Matt Hodgson who both dominated the paint.

Phoenix got into foul trouble a couple of minutes into the final quarter with the Bullets heading to the free throw line from the eight minute mark. 

Ryan Broekhoff knocked down a couple of triples to keep Phoenix close. However, the Bullets locked down on defence, with all five guys on the floor crashing the boards and getting out in transition with multiple fast break opportunities. Drmic and Sobey continued to push the pace, slicing through the key to add on the Bullets lead. 

With just under four minutes remaining, the Bullets held onto a double digit lead. Phoenix were able to get to the line to eat into the deficit slightly but it was the Bullets defence that held tight late in the piece. A tough defensive play from BJ Johnson deflated the visitors as the Bullets ran away with a ten point victory.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL ROUND 21

Brisbane Bullets 94 (Patterson 19, Sobey 16, Johnson 16, Drmic 16)

SEM Pheonix 84 (Creek 17, Broekhoff 14, Sykes 13)