An awkward exchange between Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells and six-time MVP Bryce Cotton during last night’s win has drawn attention, though most agree it was little more than a moment in the heat of the game.
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The 36ers booked their first NBL Finals appearance since 2018 with a 108-96 win over the Phoenix, but not without a flashpoint in the second quarter.
Leading by 17 with just over three minutes left in the period, an inbound play saw Wells direct comments at officials that resulted in a technical foul. Cotton, inbounding the ball, reacted immediately, slamming it to the floor in frustration before exchanging words with his coach and walking away. The Phoenix were awarded a free throw, though what Wells said has not been disclosed.
Fox Sports Australia spoke to NBL commentators for their take, with the general view that the moment looked worse than it was.
Former player and commentator Felix Von Hofe played it down.
“I read nothing into it. Cotton is a ruthless competitor, Wells is a seasoned NBA coach,” he said.
“They embraced at the end of the game, Wells didn’t react as he knew he was in the wrong with the technical foul. Play on.
“I will say, Mike Wells is by far the most disrespected coach in the league when it comes to coverage. He has made the championship series and we still hear from media and club leaks that it’s all ‘Cotton and Wells is no good.’
“Cotton is great, but Wells has put in a system that allows him to flourish. It may look clunky at times, but that’s how you need to coach a team when you’re dealing with such a dominant force like Bryce Cotton. I think he’s done a fantastic job this year.”
2001 NBL Champion and commentator Damon Lowery was more critical of the moment itself, but agreed it was quickly resolved.
“It was a bad tech foul from Mike, undisciplined and unnecessary. They had the lead and the ball was in the hands of the MVP,” he said.
“Bryce let him know about it and I’m a fan. Accountability does not discriminate. It’s one in, all in. Mike was in the wrong. They hugged it out after the game, so there’s nothing else to see here.
“I’ve seen Bryce express frustration last season to John Rillie on more than one occasion.”
Despite the brief tension, neither Wells nor Cotton let it linger, with Adelaide closing out the win and moving to a championship showdown against the Sydney Kings.