The MVP race is officially over—or so says Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Wells, who didn’t hold back after superstar Bryce Cotton’s jaw-dropping performance on Valentine’s Day. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Wells’ bold declaration justified, or is he jumping the gun? Let’s dive in.
Cotton’s 42-point masterpiece, capped by a clutch three-pointer that sealed the 92-89 win over the New Zealand Breakers, left Wells convinced. ‘It’s over,’ he declared in the post-game presser. ‘If it’s not over tonight, then tell me what the definition is.’ He doubled down, calling Cotton the league’s best player since his arrival and demanding, ‘If you’re not voting for Bryce Cotton, I want to know why.’ Bold words—but are they fair?
The game itself was a rollercoaster. The 36ers trailed by double digits for most of the night, with the Breakers leading by as much as 18. But DJ Vasiljevic’s second-half explosion, paired with Cotton’s heroics, fueled a stunning comeback. A 33-18 final quarter turned the tide, securing a top-three finish and a home final for Adelaide.
And this is the part most people miss: While Cotton’s performance was undeniable, the MVP conversation isn’t as cut-and-dried as Wells suggests. Wildcats coach John Rillie recently hyped Kristian Doolittle and Kendric Davis as contenders, setting the stage for a heated debate. Rillie even challenged Doolittle to shut down Sydney’s star guard, Kendric Davis, in their upcoming clash. ‘Let’s go and see what happens,’ he teased.
Adelaide’s sloppy start—beginning 0-from-3 and falling into a 9-0 hole—highlighted their reliance on Cotton. By the first break, he had 10 of the team’s 16 points, with minimal support from teammates. Even his 100th three-pointer of the season (on 39% shooting) couldn’t mask the team’s early struggles, particularly their abysmal 16% three-point shooting in the first half.
The Breakers, meanwhile, dominated the paint, shooting 61% from the floor. Izaiah Brockington’s thunderous dunk and Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s 14 points kept them ahead until Adelaide’s late surge.
So, is Wells right? Or is he overlooking other deserving candidates? Cotton’s stats are undeniable, but MVP debates are rarely black and white. What do you think? Is the race truly over, or is there still room for debate? Let’s hear your take in the comments—this is one conversation that’s just heating up.
