Mike Wells’ decision to shake up the Adelaide 36ers’ starting group could not have worked out better in Hobart. Matt Kenyon was outstanding defensively and DJ Vasiljevic delivered a scoring burst that only a handful of NBL players can produce.
Whatever the thinking was behind the changes, it paid off at MyState Bank Arena on Thursday night. Adelaide opened up a 28-point lead before giving up 31 points in the fourth, but still closed out a 97–86 win over the Tasmania JackJumpers.
Kenyon moved into the starting five while co-captain Vasiljevic shifted to the bench. Both rewarded the move and played key roles in the 11-point victory that lifted Adelaide to an 8-3 record and second place on the ladder.
Kenyon took on the job of guarding Tasmania’s leading scorer Bryce Hamilton and excelled. He held Hamilton to 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting, with Hamilton finishing a team worst -18 in just over 31 minutes.
Kenyon added 8 points, including two three-pointers, along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 26 minutes. It was the exact type of performance that reminded Mike Wells why he pushed so hard to recruit him.
“The reason I went out and tried to get him is for things like this. It wasn’t a negative toward our starting group. Their plus/minus is outstanding and we have a winning record,” Wells said.
“We’ve won every first quarter except for one all season, but this was about stretching the group and looking at different combinations. I really wanted Matt Kenyon to come to Adelaide.
“I had to get on the phone and really sell it to him. He was joking about going surfing or doing something else, but there was a role here and I envisioned this kind of contribution.
“He’s a pro. Whether he plays eight minutes or 26 like he did tonight, I appreciate everything he brings.”
Wells had no concern about how Vasiljevic would handle coming off the bench. Still, he was pleased to see it pay off, especially when Vasiljevic sparked an individual 11–0 run with two three-pointers late in the third quarter to push the lead out to 28 points.
“When I was considering the change, I told DJ this morning. He didn’t care and said he just wanted to win. That attitude shows how much better things are this year compared to last,” Wells said.
“We have a really good group and I appreciate who they are on both sides of the ball. DJ’s ability to score can get him going in little bursts like that. We’ve seen it before, including the time he hit seven threes in a quarter in Cairns last year.
“He has that ability whether he starts or comes off the bench. To get hot instantly is a unique trait and it shows how ready he is to make an impact.”
