Phoenix looked really good in the 1st half tonight, took our foot off the gas in the 2nd after we went 17 up which very nearly cost us. IMHO, that's the worst Eagles team to come to EPSV, a couple of their imports just aren't at the races.
Phoenix ratings: Teague: 8/10 - Very good performance, aggressive going to the basket, perfect 7/7 from the FT line, solid on defence. Looks a decent signing at 4.
Daniels: 7/10 - Much improved in the 1st half after looking a long way off the pace in the first three games of pre/regular season - shot the ball well and distributed nicely. Faded in the 2nd half and looked a yard short of pace on both ends, hopefully we'll see more of the 1st half performance in future.
Austin Jr: 5/10 - Didn't look comfortable, only played 16 mins. Hoping recovery from injury will be swift as Phoenix will need him at full strength against better teams.
Strawberry: 6/10 - Mixed performance - comfortable on the ball, distributed well but not enough of an offensive threat. Will need to take on much more of a scoring role if Nix are to trouble the better teams in the league.
Neighbour: 6/10 - Did OK, knocked down two important threes but didn't offer a lot outside of the high pick and roll. Noticeably poorer rebounding when he replaced Ochereobia.
Ochereobia: 5/10 - Quiet game with limited minutes for Big Mike, looked good in the 1st half but sat out a lot of the 2nd half, which coincided with a dip in defensive intensity / rebounding.
Evans: 6/10 - Solid contribution in backup role, will be an asset to the team throughout the season.
Anderson: 7/10 - Typical all action display, knocking down some crucial scores in the 2nd half alongside his trademark defense.
Graham: N/A - Didn't play, given how reliable Robbie was for us last year, I'd like to see him get a few minutes.
