ALTHOUGH the result did not fall his team’s way in their first clash of Round 11 of the National Basketball League (NBL), SEM Phoenix import John Brown III‘s effort could not be questioned in the loss to the Illawarra Hawks.

The Phoenix travelled to Wollongong to face off against Illawarra in one of the first games since the international break. South East Melbourne had been the better side throughout the first half of the season, but counting out the reigning champions would be a bold prediction, especially at home.

In an overtime battle that saw plenty of big plays, the Hawks were able to hold on for a thrilling four-point win after the Phoenix came from 20 down to force an extra period. Illawarra showed that it still has the talent and winning DNA to make a late charge in the season, especially when challenged by a contender.

Despite the final result, the performance of Brown III was huge for the Phoenix and a massive reason why the team was able to overcome a 20-point deficit and give themselves a genuine winning chance at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Illawarra Hawks (113) def. South East Melbourne Phoenix (109)

John Brown III – 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals

Although the numbers may not jump off the page – especially in a match where JaVale McGee dropped 29 points and 13 boards – the Phoenix forward delivered one of the most remarkable double-doubles in NBL history, and it was largely built on effort.

Against the Hawks, he was willing to go the extra mile to try and spark some sort of offensive momentum and drag the Phoenix back into contention after Illawarra jumped out to an early lead. Although not the silkiest player, the forward is one of the biggest effort-based contributors in the competition, and it was completely on display against the reigning champions.

What makes the import’s performance so unique is the fact that all 10 of his rebounds came on the offensive end, chasing down misses from his own team to generate extra possessions. This also created plenty of second-chance scoring opportunities, which was one of the biggest reasons why South East Melbourne erased the deficit.

Brown III’s efforts ignited a spark in the Phoenix, and he even got involved on the scoring front as well, dropping 14 points on 5/14 shooting from the field. He played with such energy on both ends of the floor, and even drew praise from McGee post-game.

“He (Brown III) is a very unique player,” McGee said.

“On the offensive end, the way he grabs offensive rebounds, he moves like an NFL cornerback. He comes full speed to the offensive end and then tries to shake you. By the time you are trying to decide whether to box him out, you already need to turn and rebound. He is a hard guard in that aspect, because he is always moving.

“On the defensive end he does not like to let you get a clean post. He is a great player and a great energy guy for sure.”

He finished the match with 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in another strong showing from one of the most unique players in the NBL. Brown III remains crucial for the Phoenix’s chances of making a late charge for the championship, and showed why against last year’s winners.