The JackJumpers are hurt and tired and have earned a rest, says guard Matt Kenyon
JackJumpers have earned their six-day break after a recent hot streak says their star guard, as they wait for an NBL rematch with Illawarra Hawks.
Tasmania
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THE JackJumpers’ three-game winning streak will be stalled by a six-day wait for their next NBL game but inform guard Matt Kenyon says it has come at the right time after the green machine’s demanding weekend.
The JackJumpers beat the Taipans in Cairns on Friday night and arrived home late on Saturday ahead of their clash with inform Illawarra Hawks at MyState Bank Arena in a 1pm game on Sunday.
The Jacks led comfortably but fatigued late and the Hawks took advantage, cutting a 17-point final term deficit to two points before the JJs steadied to win 81-77.
Kenyon would have preferred not to have the 4738 fan’s hearts in their mouths, but the side will be better for the experience.
The Hawks have a home clash with Phoenix on Thursday night and return to play the JackJumpers again at the Silverdome in Launceston on Saturday night.
“We’ve got to be more disciplined down the back end, we were tired but no excuses, we should be better next game,” Kenyon said.
“We had a pretty big weekend and there are a lot of hurt bodies. We get two days off to recover and then get back into training together.
“It doesn’t matter when the games are, when they come we’ll be ready, and we’ll be prepared for them again with some fresh legs.”
While coach Scott Roth has the lid tight on expectations of a possible finals appearance in their debut season, Kenyon feels the dream is alive with the JackJumpers 10-9 and comfortably ahead of Brisbane, Adelaide, New Zealand and Cairns.
“We are want to make the finals, there’s no secret about that, but it’s about the process for us,” Kenyon said.
“We come in everyday and we work hard and play basketball the right way and [from there] the basketball Gods will reward you.
“If we keep doing what we’re doing, playing the right way and playing together, that will take care of itself.”
Kenyon has become something of a barometer for the JJs, who have an 8-1 win-loss record with him in the starting five, as he was on Sunday.
“I don’t pay attention to stats like that, I just do my job and help the team win,” he said.
“We have a great culture here and the Tasmanian fans get behind us every single home game so it’s amazing to have that support.”
The team would rest on Monday and Tuesday and ramp up preparations for the Hawks from Wednesday.
Originally published as The JackJumpers are hurt and tired and have earned a rest, says guard Matt Kenyon
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