Breaking: Adelaide 36ers surge to the top and turn game night into a lifestyle win
A comeback that changed the weekend
Adelaide just flipped the NBL on its head. Down by 21 in the fourth quarter in Perth, the 36ers roared back to win 95-94 on 7 December. The arena went quiet, then stood to applaud Bryce Cotton, who finished with 21 points and 12 assists. He did it on his return to the city where he built his name. It felt like a movie, except it was real, and it was ruthless.
Today, Adelaide sits at 13-3 and alone at the top. The club is also moving fast behind the scenes. I can confirm the 36ers are close to re-signing Zylan Cheatham on a multi-year deal. That move secures the spine of this team. It also gives fans a clear message. This run is built to last.
I am told Adelaide and Zylan Cheatham are finalizing terms on a multi-year extension. Both sides want it done quickly.
Why this matters for your lifestyle
Sport is more than a score. It is a rhythm that shapes your week. Adelaide’s surge offers a fresh way to plan your time, your workouts, and your social life. The 36ers are playing with grit, joy, and poise. That energy is contagious.
Set a night for the next tip-off. Invite friends. Make a simple game ritual. Stretch together, then shoot at the park or the driveway before the broadcast. Keep the ball in your hands during timeouts. Try a quick dribble drill, then talk through what you saw on the last set. This turns watching into doing. Your hobby becomes a habit.
The emotional core
Bryce Cotton is steering the ship with calm and craft. His drive and kick game is a clinic. Zylan Cheatham brings edge, glass work, and smart passing. He is averaging about 12.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Isaac Humphries anchors the paint. Dejan Vasiljevic spaces the floor and leads by voice. Coach Mike Wells has them connected, focused, and deep.
This is why the 36ers feel complete. They have two-way size, late-game guards, and a bench that holds the line. It is the kind of balance that wins in March, not just in December.
Play like the 36ers this weekend
You do not need pro gear to copy pro habits. You need a ball, a hoop, and a plan.
- Two-minute chaos drill. Down 6 with two minutes left, scoreboard on. Get a stop, push, find the extra pass.
- Cheatham box-outs. Start wide, hit first, then go get it with two hands. Count to three on the seal.
- Cotton’s kick-out reads. Drive into space, jump stop, eyes up, pass to a shooter’s hands.
- Vasiljevic corners. Sprint to the corner after every pass, feet set, shoot on balance.
Set a five-shot penalty for lazy passes. It makes every touch matter and keeps your group sharp. 🏀
Make game night a habit you love
Bring the arena home. Lay out team colors on the couch. Prep a simple snack board. Rotate a “play caller” among friends who predicts the next action. Winner picks the halftime drill. Keep it light and competitive.
At halftime, run a quick three-minute circuit. Ten wall sits, ten form shots, ten closeouts, repeat. Then compare notes on matchups and rotations. You will watch smarter, and you will play sharper the next day.
For families and new fans
If you are new to the 36ers, this is the perfect time to jump in. Kids love a comeback. Tell them the story of the 21-point swing in Perth. Then set a small goal for your next park session. Five made layups for every missed three. It teaches patience and good choices.
Are they the title favorite?
Yes, they look like the most complete contender right now. The record, the chemistry, and the closing power all point forward. A Cheatham extension locks in identity. Cotton gives Adelaide a steady hand in tight moments. That is the formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the Adelaide 36ers the team to beat this season?
A: They are at the top for a reason. Depth, defense, and late-game poise make them the current favorite.
Q: What makes Zylan Cheatham so valuable?
A: He rebounds in traffic, guards multiple spots, and passes well for a big. He connects lineups and speeds up the game.
Q: How can I practice a comeback mindset at the park?
A: Set a small target, like three straight stops. Breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth, and call out switches. Focus on the next play, not the score.
Q: What gear do I need to try these drills?
A: A ball, a hoop, a watch or phone timer, and a friend if possible. Cones are optional. Chalk or a water bottle works as a marker.
Q: When should I host a watch session?
A: Pick one home night a week. Keep it consistent. Plan a short pregame shoot or dribble warm-up to lock in.
Conclusion: Adelaide just delivered the win of the year and backed it with smart roster work. If Cheatham re-signs, the 36ers will have a core that plays hard and plays together. That is great basketball. It is also a great way to shape your own routine, from the couch to the court.
