36ers Dismiss Coach Departure Speculation as GM Denounces ‘Comical’ Rumors — NBL Daily
The Adelaide 36ers came within seconds of an NBL title on April 5, 2026, falling 113–101 in overtime to the Sydney Kings in a dramatic Game 5 that had fans on their feet. The decisive stretch saw momentum swing late, with Sydney’s Kendric Davis erupting for 35 points and 14 assists to seal the championship while Adelaide’s Bryce Cotton battled valiantly.
Off the court, chatter swirled that coach Mike Wells might be on the way out. Today, the club led by GM Matt Weston labelled that chatter “comical,” shutting down speculation and backing Wells to lead the 36ers forward.
Keep reading to get the inside scoop on what this means for the team’s future and how this twist could shape the upcoming NBL season.
How Did Game 5 End and Why Are Rumours Flying?
The 2026 NBL Championship Series reached a boiling point on April 5, 2026, when the Adelaide 36ers lost a heartbreaker to the Sydney Kings 113–101 in overtime at Qudos Bank Arena. Sydney rallied late and dominated the extra period 18–6 to secure the title. Kendric Davis was the star of the night with 35 points and 14 assists, earning Championship Series MVP honours.
After the loss, whispers began swirling that head coach Mike Wells might be on the way out. Some online commentary suggested management was unhappy and could pull the trigger on a coaching change.
Did the 36ers Really Discuss Firing Mike Wells?
Short answer: No confirmed crisis talks took place with Wells.
According to reporting and social discussions, the club has denied that formal internal meetings occurred about his departure or that ownership has pulled its support. A social‑media source noted that rumours of a “crisis meeting” were dismissed, and the ownership strongly backs Wells moving forward.
A Reddit thread with over a dozen upvotes quoted 36ers ownership pushing back on the notion that Wells’ job was in danger, describing such claims as exaggerated and unfounded.
The team also reportedly filed an official complaint regarding sensational commentary about the situation, further signalling they want to shut down drama and focus on basketball.
What Happened On Court That Might Fuel Debate?
Stats from the title‑decider show why the match lives on in debate:
- Final score: 113–101 OT loss.
- 36ers possession: Adelaide held a mid‑series advantage early but faded late in regulation and in overtime.
- Adelaide’s shots on target dipped against Sydney’s pressure defence in clutch moments.
- Key 36ers performances:
- Bryce Cotton: 35 points with nine assists in Game 5 – a team‑high.
- Isaac Humphries, Zylan Cheatham, and DJ Vasiljevic contributed across scoring and rebounds but were unable to complete the comeback.
Reddit breakdowns of the final minutes echo common fan concern: losing a seven‑point lead in the final two minutes highlights execution under stress.
What Does This Mean for the 36ers and the NBL?
Losing such a tight decider can put any coach under scrutiny. But current evidence suggests:
- The 36ers have contractual stability, with key players and staff under deal for 2026‑27.
- A strong regular season and finals run could give Wells room to regroup and refine tactics.
- Management messaging has been firm: no shake‑up based solely on one loss.
Tactical Takeaways and Player Impact
The key tactical takeaway from the finals was depth and execution. Sydney’s rotation allowed them to rotate fresh legs late, which kept pressure high in overtime, a task the 36ers struggled with. Adelaide’s reliance on a short rotation and heavy minutes for core players contributed to late‑game fatigue.
The impact on players like Cotton, a six‑time MVP and consistent scoring force, suggests the 36ers still have elite talent. With targeted roster tweaks and tactical adjustments, Adelaide could again be a contender.
Final Take
The Adelaide 36ers’ loss in the 2026 NBL Championship Series was a fine‑margin defeat. Rumours about coach Mike Wells’ exit have been called out as unfounded. The club appears focused on moving forward, holding onto key talent, and giving Wells a chance to build on a strong season. Fans can expect an off‑season of reflection, growth, and renewed ambition for NBL27.
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