A bold statement has been made: 'The MVP race is done and dusted.' That's the message from Mike Wells, the coach of the Adelaide 36ers, after an extraordinary performance by their superstar, Bryce Cotton.
Cotton's 42-point masterpiece, including a game-winning three-pointer, propelled the 36ers to a thrilling victory on Valentine's Day. It was a display of sheer brilliance, leaving the opposition New Zealand Breakers heartbroken with a 92-89 loss.
But here's where it gets controversial... Wells' declaration that the MVP race is over has sparked a heated debate. With such a dominant performance, is Cotton an undeniable frontrunner? Or is there still room for other contenders to make their mark?
And this is the part most people miss... The 36ers' journey to this win was far from easy. Trailing by double digits at every break, they needed a second-half comeback led by Cotton and DJ Vasiljevic, who caught fire with crucial three-pointers.
The game started with a sloppy beginning for Adelaide, quickly falling behind 0-3 from the floor. The Breakers, on the other hand, were on fire, racing to a 7-0 lead. It was a tough start, but Cotton's triple sparked a fightback.
Cotton's 100th three-pointer of the season, a remarkable feat considering his 39% shooting from beyond the arc, was a pivotal moment. But the first half was a struggle for the 36ers, shooting just 16% from long range.
Vasiljevic's triple with a minute left in the first half gave the 36ers a much-needed boost, but it was Cotton who carried the team with 19 points at halftime.
As the game progressed, the 36ers' defense stepped up, led by Cotton who guarded the Breakers' best player. With a 33-18 last quarter, the 36ers sealed a memorable win.
So, is the MVP race truly over? Wells certainly thinks so, but what about you? Do you agree with his bold statement? Or do you think there's still a chance for other players to challenge Cotton's dominance? Weigh in and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
