Magnay’s successful injury return caps ‘classic JackJumpers’ win

Will Magnay’s successful return from injury capped a perfect evening for the JackJumpers as they celebrated skipper Clint Steindl’s 300th game with victory in Adelaide.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth says big man Will Magnay has no workload restrictions placed on him after he made his return from long term injury in Saturday’s 82-72 win at Adelaide.

After weeks of searching for the right formula, Roth was rapt his side rediscovered their defensive DNA in Saturday’s 82-72 win at Adelaide.

Having conceded an average of 90 points per game in their previous four outings, Tasmania’s improved intensity was noticeable from the outset as the Jackies improved their season record to 6-4 with a second straight win.

Although Tasmania shot at 41 per cent from the field themselves, the 36ers shot 39 per cent and struggled for any offensive impact the first three quarters.

It was the equal lowest score the JackJumpers have kept an opponent to this season, with a 25-19 final term coming too late for the hosts.

“To me it was a classic JackJumpers game, a really grinding game,” Roth said.

“On the road it’s difficult to win and we’re quite humbled to walk out with wins on the road.

“I’m really proud of our guys, they stepped up and played well across the board. It was a good effort for us.”

Magnay successfully getting through his first game of the season capped an ideal evening for Tasmania, who celebrated captain Clint Steindl’s 300th match in style.

The centre played 12 minutes and made three free throws as he finds his feet from his long term absence.

He will be invaluable in defence to provide support inside to fellow big man Marcus Lee, and Roth said they will be patient as he builds up his fitness base.

JackJumpers big man Will Magnay. Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images for NBL)

“He’ll be a big help for us moving forward as he gets some conditioning,” Roth said.

“He has no restrictions, he’s good to go. It will be more to do with match ups and his conditioning as we go through it.

“Practice conditioning is different to getting into a game. With no restrictions we’ll play him more where we think we can, and be careful with him.

“It’s great to have another big body out there, a physical guy who knows the league and can control the pain for us as he continues to get in shape.”

The 36ers were unable to handle the JackJumpers wealth of offensive options in their starting five.

Despite an off shooting night (4-13), Milton Doyle finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and four steals.

JackJumper Milton Doyle in action against Adelaide. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

Point guard Jordon Crawford bounced back from a 4-21 shooting display in last week’s tight win over Brisbane with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Jack McVeigh (14 points off 6-9 shooting) and Lee (12 points, eight rebounds) were also influential, while former 36er Anthony Drmic (eight points, five rebounds, two assists), hit some important shots as Adelaide tried to launch a fourth quarter fightback.

“It’s always fun to coe back and play your old team. Obviously it’s good we got the win,” Drmic said.

“It’s my role in this team, to hit some open shots.

“I don’t know how to explain it (JackJumpers culture) but I love it, it’s the best way to sum it up.”

The JackJumpers take on New Zealand in Launceston on Thursday night, before travelling to Cairns on Sunday.