I had the pleasure of being at the game on Saturday night and all I can say is wow.
An awesome game from the Sixers. I never had any idea what the Wildcat crowd was like until I saw it first hand. Incredible, it felt like a Grand Final. A few things from the game day experience that differs to what we have at the dome.
1) Do not complain about catering at the Dome!
At Challenge Stadium, it was almost non-existent. Self serve post mix that had run out before the game began, no ice unless you asked, food outside in marquee tents that cost a mint. The Dome wins this hands down in terms of variety, accessibility, quality, cost and ease of access.
2) Entertainment
Im talking other than the game. The introductions were great, the dancers were fantastic (choreography eye catching). There was a RC blimp for adverstising, 3 different mascots, and the MC knows how to get the crowd involved. He was great for Perth. They probably have more budget for game night activities, and I think it makes a real difference to the basketball experience.
3) Supporters
The Perth supporters get involved, always positive, clapping and cheering, hardly leaving their seats. If I was a player, thats where I would want to play. They respond to the MC, standing for 2-4 minutes at a time, clapping non-stop for their team. It made me realise that Adelaide supporters expect a lot from their team, and dont give that type of support until theres a Championship at stake. We need to get up and be more vocal for our team more often IMO.
In terms of the game, a few observations. Carter played a solid game given his time off for injury and having to play a lot more minutes than expected. Made a few pass turnovers, didnt shoot very well, but his effort on D was crucial. Thought Shannan was playing great until his injury (and I thought we couldnt win without him). Daly's efforts also should be noted, he executed well, wasnt overawed by the situation (I was as a supporter!) and came through pretty well in the clutch.
Howard started well but got pulled early for some coaching advice, and then wasnt on for crunch time. DJ struggled, and seemed to have a courtside spat with Clarke, and got pulled the next possession. JD didnt play much and struggled while he was on in offense.
Ballinger was fantastic in the last, blocks, jumpers, rebounds. Played a solid game against Brown. Holmes was great, hit a few shots and rebounded and hustled hard. Was a steadying force on the floor when sets started to fizzle.
Hill played a great game as well. I do think he is improving with his defence and decision making. Attacked the rim well, got some boards and deflections. Real solid game.
Overall we got killed on the Defensive glass. If Perth were going to win it would be from O boards and putbacks/2nd chance points. This would be the biggest concern moving forward for the team IMO, but the rest seems ok. Reasonable defence, we looked great when we got stops and boards and ran. Offense seems to be just enough at the moment, Carter is great for getting the ball through hands, which is what needs to happen.
Looking forward to the Sixers displaying the same type of effort and fight the rest of the season.
