A career-high 30-point haul from captain Kyle Adnam has helped South East Melbourne Phoenix to an 84-79 NBL season-opening victory over Tasmania JackJumpers.
The shorthanded Phoenix entered Saturday's game at John Cain Arena with Ryan Broekhoff and new imports Gary Browne and Trey Kell III sidelined through injury, while Chinese centre Zhou Qi has yet to join the team from overseas.
But as he has done so often during his nine seasons in the league, Adnam stepped into the starting role with great effect as he connected on six three-pointers, added four assists and made all eight free throws.
The 28-year-old guard's impressive start and strong work under the basket from new import big Alan Williams allowed the home side to build an 18-point lead in the second quarter.
But the JackJumpers overcame a slow start to grind their way back into the contest, showing all the tenacity and resilience that characterised their run to the grand final series in their inaugural season.
They overcame a 14-point deficit late in the third quarter to level the scores in the closing minutes.
Rashard Kelly (18 points) and Milton Doyle (13 points, six assists) found their shooting touch in the second half to lead the charge for Tasmania, while Jack McVeigh (20) sank a three-pointer with 15 seconds to play to cut South East Melbourne's lead to two at 79-77.
Mitch Creek (23 points) left the door open for the JackJumpers by making just one of two free throws on the following possession but secured a crucial steal on Tasmania's next play to seal the victory.
Adnam ended the night with a pair of foul shots to cross the 30-point plateau for the first time.
"I always want to stay confident, especially with my three (point shot) whether it's dropping or not," Adnam told ESPN after hitting six-of-nine shots from beyond the arc.
"Just putting pressure on the defence to demand that respect in a way and open up driving lanes.
"The ball was going in tonight and hopefully I can continue it."
Adnam's 11-point burst kickstarted the Phoenix in the opening quarter with his third three-pointer triggering a 7-0 finish to the term and a handy 28-16 lead.
Tasmania's offensive woes continued early in the second period as the Phoenix extended their advantage to 36-18 but Development Player Sean MacDonald produced a quickfire eight points with his late triple cutting the home side's advantage to 43-33 at halftime.
South East Melbourne looked on the path to a comfortable win when they surged ahead 57-43 approaching the end of the third period but new import Kelly scored 13 consecutive JackJumpers points to keep the visitors in the hunt.
