36ers Shatter 20-Year Record with Gritty Win Over Battling Bullets

In a compelling display of NBL basketball, the Adelaide 36ers cemented their status as league leaders by defeating the Brisbane Bullets 97-86 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on January 4, 2026. This victory wasn’t just another notch in their win column; it marked a historic milestone, with the 36ers achieving their 19th win of the season, shattering a two-decade-old club record for most victories. Yet, beneath the surface of Adelaide’s dominance, the Brisbane Bullets, despite their playoff hopes being a distant memory, delivered a performance rich in grit and promising individual brilliance, signaling a potential turning point for their rebuilding efforts.

The game unfolded as a tale of two halves, a narrative often seen in sports where momentum shifts dictate destiny. The Bullets, playing before a home crowd, started with an intensity that belied their league standing. They established an early lead, concluding the first quarter 31-29, and extended it to a surprising 45-38 by halftime. This initial surge was largely attributed to a tenacious defensive effort, particularly from Mitch Norton and Sam McDaniel, who managed to stifle the prolific Bryce Cotton, holding him to a mere two points on 0-5 shooting in the first half. It was a testament to Brisbane’s resolve, demonstrating their capability to challenge even the league’s top-tier teams.

Brisbane’s First Half Resilience and Emerging Talent

For a team whose season is already geared towards a 2026 rebuild, Brisbane’s first-half showing against the league leaders was nothing short of inspiring. Their defensive tenacity, which kept Adelaide to a paltry 38 points on 35 percent shooting in the first half, showcased moments of genuine class. The seamless integration of new import Hunter Maldonado, whose visa issues had previously sidelined him after his exit from the South East Melbourne Phoenix, provided an immediate boost. Maldonado, making his debut, quickly established himself as a much-needed second ball-handler alongside Mitch Norton, injecting pace and an impressive basketball IQ into the Bullets’ offense. His buzzer-beating assist to Alex Ducas for a three-pointer at the close of the second quarter was a highlight, a moment of quick thinking and execution that encapsulated Brisbane’s surprising first-half lead, as reported by Fox Sports.

Beyond Maldonado, Jacob Holt and Terry Taylor seized the opportunity to stake their claims for permanent roster spots in Brisbane’s future. Holt contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds, demonstrating efficiency inside. Taylor, a fearless lefty, delivered flashes of brilliance with his elite shot creation, finishing with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. His emphatic one-hand jam to end the third quarter, a move honed over 45 games in the NBA’s G-League where he averaged 16.5 points, was a clear statement of intent. Centre Tohi Smith-Milner also played a crucial role, providing key steals and assists, including a gorgeous pass to Taylor for an acrobatic finish, underscoring the potential within the Bullets’ ranks.

Adelaide’s Second-Half Masterclass and Record-Breaking Run

However, the NBL is a league where class often prevails, and the Adelaide 36ers, true to their form as league leaders, demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with. After the halftime break, Adelaide emerged with renewed vigor and tactical adjustments. The third quarter proved to be the turning point, with the 36ers outscoring Brisbane 30-20. This shift in momentum was largely spearheaded by the explosive Bryce Cotton, who, after a quiet first half, erupted for 13 points in the third quarter alone. His ability to turn the switch on and dominate the scoring underscored his five-time MVP credentials, as noted by Basketball.com.au.

The 36ers’ offensive firepower was multi-faceted. Sniper Flynn Cameron contributed 18 points, including three crucial triples, showcasing Adelaide’s superior three-point shooting (11-from-23 attempts compared to Brisbane’s 5-from-25). Isaac Humphries provided a dominant inside presence with 16 points on an impressive 8-from-10 shooting. Zylan Cheatham delivered a masterful all-round performance, nearing a triple-double with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. His ability to facilitate from the frontcourt position created numerous scoring opportunities, particularly in transition, highlighting the depth and versatility of Adelaide’s roster. The 36ers continued their relentless attack in the fourth quarter, winning it 29-21, ultimately securing the 97-86 victory and their fifth consecutive win, making it 12 victories in their last 13 games.

The Statistical Story: Shooting Efficiency and Paint Dominance

A deeper dive into the numbers reveals the stark contrast that ultimately decided the game. While Brisbane displayed admirable defensive effort in the first half, Adelaide’s elite shooting proved decisive. The 36ers connected on 47.83% of their three-point attempts, a staggering difference compared to the Bullets’ 20% conversion rate. Bryce Cotton’s efficient 7-from-13 from the field, including an outstanding 5-from-6 from beyond the arc, exemplifies Adelaide’s precision. Inside, the 36ers controlled the paint battle, outrebounding Brisbane 42-31 and limiting second-chance opportunities. They also capitalized on their aggressive attacking style by converting 28-from-36 attempts from the foul line, significantly outperforming Brisbane’s 17-from-21.

Despite committing more turnovers (13 to Brisbane’s 9), Adelaide’s superior shooting percentage from the field (49.15% to 44.44%) and their dominant three-point display effectively negated any turnover disadvantage. The game, though ugly in parts, as described by Basketball.com.au, was a clear demonstration of why the 36ers are at the top of the ladder. Their ability to adjust, overcome initial struggles, and leverage their collective talent, particularly their sharpshooting, allowed them to pull away decisively in the second half.

Looking Ahead: Records and Rebuilds

For the Adelaide 36ers, this victory is more than just another win; it’s a statement. Breaking a 20-year club record for wins with 10 games still remaining in the season speaks volumes about their current trajectory and championship aspirations. They are firmly entrenched at the top, pushing further ahead of the second-placed Phoenix. Their consistent performance, marked by clutch plays and collective brilliance, positions them as strong contenders for the NBL title.

For the Brisbane Bullets, the picture is different but not without its own silver lining. While their playoff hopes are extinguished, the emergence of talent like Hunter Maldonado, Jacob Holt, and Terry Taylor offers a tangible blueprint for their inevitable 2026 rebuild. These players, through their grit and flashes of brilliance against the league’s best, have shown they are eager to be involved in the club’s biggest turnaround in history. The challenge now lies in building around these promising individuals and translating individual performances into consistent team success.

This game was a microcosm of the NBL season: a dominant force asserting its authority while an aspiring underdog reveals glimpses of a brighter future, making it a pivotal moment for both the record-breaking 36ers and the rebuilding Bullets.