The MVP debate just got a whole lot more heated. In a bold declaration, Adelaide 36ers coach Mike Wells has proclaimed the race is over, and there’s one name on his lips: Bryce Cotton. But is it really that simple? Let’s dive into the drama that unfolded on Valentine’s Day and the fiery debate it’s ignited.
Wells wasn’t holding back after Cotton’s jaw-dropping 42-point performance, which included a clutch three-pointer that sealed a thrilling 92-89 comeback win over the New Zealand Breakers. ‘It’s over,’ Wells stated bluntly in his post-game presser. ‘If it’s not over tonight, then tell me what the definition is.’ He doubled down, praising Cotton’s all-around dominance: ‘He played 40 minutes, guarded their best player, did everything. Most valuable player to his team. This thing is over.’
But here’s where it gets controversial. Wells didn’t stop at praising Cotton—he called out anyone who isn’t voting for him. ‘If you’re not voting for Bryce Cotton, who’s been the best player in this league since he arrived, I want to know why. It’s not even close,’ he challenged. Is Wells right, or is he overlooking other contenders like Kristian Doolittle and Kendric Davis, who are also making strong cases?
And this is the part most people miss: the 36ers’ win wasn’t just about Cotton. DJ Vasiljevic caught fire in the second half, slicing the deficit with a crucial four-point play. Zylan Cheatham’s bucket sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and Vasiljevic’s late three-pointer put the Sixers ahead for the first time with two minutes left. It was a team effort, but Wells is convinced Cotton’s the undisputed MVP.
The game itself was a rollercoaster. Adelaide started sluggishly, falling behind 9-0 before Cotton’s first triple. The Breakers dominated early, leading by as much as 18 points, with Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s 14 first-half points keeping them in control. But the Sixers’ 33-18 fourth-quarter surge flipped the script, securing a win that guaranteed them a top-three finish and a home final.
Cotton’s milestone—his 100th three-pointer of the season—came in the second quarter, but Adelaide’s 16% three-point shooting in the first half was a glaring weakness. The Breakers, meanwhile, shot 61% from the floor, showcasing their balanced attack. Yet, it was Cotton’s heroics that stole the show, leaving Wells to declare, ‘The MVP race is over today.’
Wildcats coach John Rillie, however, isn’t ready to concede. He’s hyping Sunday’s Perth-Sydney clash as a showdown between Doolittle and Davis, both MVP contenders. ‘I have a guy in that change room who’s pretty good defensively,’ Rillie teased. ‘Let’s see what happens.’ Is Rillie’s confidence misplaced, or is he onto something?
Here’s the burning question: Is Wells’ declaration a fair assessment, or is he letting team bias cloud his judgment? Cotton’s stats are undeniable, but Doolittle and Davis are no slouches. Should the MVP be decided by a single game, or is it about consistency across the season? Let’s hear your thoughts—who deserves the title, and why? The debate is on, and it’s hotter than ever.
