A bold statement has been made: 'The MVP race is done and dusted.' Mike Wells, the 36ers' coach, is leaving no room for doubt. His team's incredible comeback victory on Valentine's Day, led by the exceptional Bryce Cotton, has left an indelible mark. Cotton's 42-point masterpiece, including the game-sealing three-pointer, showcased why he's the league's most valuable player.
But here's where it gets interesting: DJ Vasiljevic's second-half heroics almost stole the show. As the Sixers fought back from a double-digit deficit, Vasiljevic's three-pointer and free throw cut the lead to just seven points, setting the stage for Cotton's clutch performance.
With the 36ers trailing by 11 points going into the final quarter, the stage was set for a thrilling comeback. Vasiljevic's late-game heroics and Cotton's ice-cold shooting saw the home side surge ahead for the first time with just two minutes remaining. A memorable 33-18 last quarter sealed the deal, leaving the Breakers heartbroken.
And this is the part most people miss: the 36ers' slow start. They began the game with three straight misses from the floor, while the Breakers raced ahead with a perfect 3-from-3 start. It was a sloppy beginning, but Cotton's triple sparked a fire in the team, and they fought back with determination.
The first half was a tale of two halves. While Cotton dominated with 19 points, the rest of the Sixers struggled, with starters Flynn Cameron and John Jenkins failing to score. New Zealand, on the other hand, found success in the paint, shooting at an impressive 61% from the floor.
But Cotton's 100th three-pointer of the season, coming on just 39% shooting, was a turning point. It signaled a shift in momentum and set the stage for the 36ers' comeback.
So, is the MVP race truly over? Wells certainly thinks so. But what about the other contenders? Wildcats coach John Rillie has set up an intriguing battle between Kristian Doolittle and Kendric Davis, who will face off on Sunday.
Who do you think deserves the MVP title? Should it be Cotton, the consistent superstar, or is there another player who has flown under the radar? Leave your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!
Remember, in sports, nothing is ever truly over until the final whistle blows.
