Bullets’ one-two punchers planning a KO
Star US import Lamar Patterson wants Brisbane to keep rolling, while boom Bullets big man Will Magnay is just trying to keep his feet on the ground.
Brisbane will try to solidify their place in the NBL’s top four when they take on the 36ers in Adelaide today, with Patterson and Queenslander Magnay hoping to continue their dynamic one-two punch.
They combined to ground the Hawks last weekend, and on Thursday night torched South East Melbourne to hand Brisbane their fourth straight win, and fifth in six outings, and surge to a 12-11 record.
Patterson finished with 27 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals to further his case for back-to-back All-NBL first team selections.
And Magnay’s stunning 19 points, seven blocks, six rebounds and one assist underline why he is NBA-bound.
Brisbane need three more wins from their remaining five matches to all but seal a finals berth, and a road win over the 36ers (11-12) would give them breathing room from the congested pack chasing fourth spot on the ladder.
Patterson said the equation was simple for Brisbane.
“Every game matters – it’s crazy how tight it is,” he said.
“As long as we are winning, we set ourselves up for the finals. We are playing great basketball right now.”
Despite all the hype surrounding 21-year-old Magnay, his primary focus is helping Brisbane make the finals.
Family, friends and Bullets coaching staff are ensuring his head stays out of the clouds.
“I’ve got a lot of good people around me,” Magnay said.
“When the season is finished you can turn your attention and focus on all that other stuff, but the people around me are keeping me pretty grounded.’’