Patterson calls on Bullets to stand tall
STAR Brisbane import Lamar Patterson has urged the Bullets to match the desperation of the Adelaide 36ers in today’s crucial NBL clash at Titanium Security Arena.
Brisbane and Adelaide are going toe-to-toe in the battle for the fourth and final playoff spot on the NBL ladder.
The 36ers’ 102-96 victory over Illawarra on Thursday night improved their record to 10 wins and nine losses for the season, matching Brisbane.
“You go into every game knowing anything could happen,” Patterson said.
“We know Adelaide is just right there with us. The past couple of games it’s been flipflopping between five and four with them.
“They’re going to come out fighting and swinging, so we have to make sure we match that intensity.”
Patterson was confident there would not be any repeats of the Bullets’ disastrous 109-80 loss to cellar dwellers Cairns Taipans last week.
Brisbane bounced back with a nine-point win over reigning champions Melbourne United last Sunday.
“We got our one game out the way where we just didn’t show up. Hopefully the rest of the way we’re just locked in and ready to go from here on out,” Patterson said.
“What separates us from a lot of teams is our ability to go deep into the bench.”
The 27-year-old former Atlanta Hawks swingman’s Bullets contract expires at the end of the season, but he would be more than happy to stay in Brisbane. And there’s little doubt the Bullets would be keen to keep him.