Hoops

did we throw the game today?

Go Sixers well beyond Friday. You've worked hard under Phil's leadership. Take it all the way. Best of luck for this Friday, but luck won't win it. Your good work throughout the season will.

Jay, just would like to add comment to this quote - "It is a sad day when so called competitive professionals dont go all out to win". Win what, 1 single unimportant game or win the championship? Once again people are assuming the game was tanked. Even if it was, choosing your opponent is going all out to win. You choose a path that your good judgement will see you go further. Phil Smyth possesses great judgement.

nah i doubt they tanked it, they just looked to the bigger picture and saved the 3(maher, farley, rychart) guns for the next game, like if u r up by 10 in the last quater there is no reason y some of the bench guys cant finish it off, and it wasnt really much of a must win game so why risk one of the big 3 to injury just to bring home the win, as i wouldnt of even played maher the 30 mins he played if i were smyth, due to him just returning, so i doubt we tanked it, and it also gives the bench guys confidence/opportunity to prove themselves which may be vital in the playoffs

Smart move Isaac.

Anonymous, I see your point, but every team's aim is to get that championship. Phil has been a great coach over the years and his choice of actions need to be respected. Even if they did throw this game, how does it make them undeserving of the championship. They worked their butts off all season to get this far. They stayed in 3rd spot for many weeks showing great consistency on their part. Earlier in the season they held 1st & 2nd spot also. Even their 4th position now is only by percentage points. They have the same number of wins as Townsville who have taken over 3rd spot. Thoughout most of the time they held 3rd position, Brett was out with injury and still managed to win 2 tough games, Wollongong and Melbourne. I wouldn't be taking anything away from their right to claim the championship.

Anonymous no. 2, that is a matter of opinion and not a fact that they showed no confidence for the team by choosing which teams they play. I call what Phil did commonsense. Brett has been plagued with injury all this season. I wouldn't have risked him today but saved him for games from here on. If the end result is the ultimate prize, who cares which teams they choose to play or not choose to play if that is indeed the reasoning behind this.

If I was Phil, I wouldn't have played those 3 at all to not risk any injury. Today's game was of little importance, however the game(s) to follow are vital. Because of Willie's situation, I would have given in and gave him full time on court only because he was chasing the scoring title. Its called strategy. You've got to plan your forward moves to maximise your chances of success. I think Phil did more than enough by giving these players some time on court. That shows strength in leadership.

Big V will not delay a March start. Nbl1 may delay to May but L doubt that also. They want to play and will both push on.