Patterson looms as NBL MVP bolter

Sunday, 17 February 2019:

Brisbane Bullets import Lamar Patterson will slip into the NBL MVP awards night in much the same way he attacks his basketball - under the radar.

Before Sunday night's gala function in Melbourne is finished, the former NBA player could steal the spotlight by disrupting the expected trifecta featuring Andrew Bogut, Bryce Cotton and Casper Ware.

Sydney marquee man Bogut is the favourite to win the award after a spectacular season powering the Kings back into title contention.

Perth's Cotton and Melbourne United guard Ware will feature, but Patterson should be in the conversation.

He was again the difference between success and failure for the Bullets with an 11-point final quarter, including a match-winning three, to lift the finals-bound side to a narrow win against the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday.

The American only landed in Brisbane in November, handing his MVP rivals up to six extra games to press their advantage.

Yet his average input of 18 points, six rebounds and almost four assists has made Patterson Brisbane's most influential figure in its rise from the wooden spoon to the playoffs.

"He (Patterson) is a hell of a player," Brisbane coach Andrej Lemanis said.

"What is great about him is that he is a great player who fits in to the team structures. He is happy for his teammates, he knows when to step up and make some big plays and knows when to stay within the rhythm of the team.

"When you talk about MVPs, what's the influence on your team being successful? He has a significant influence on that for sure.'

The Bullets' win against the Breakers booked them a finals spot, most likely against Perth, when the playoffs lift off in the first week of March.

Brisbane is confident guard Cameron Gliddon will return from the back injury that forced him out of the final game of the regular season.

Perhaps the greatest boost to the Bullets' prospects has been the form of veteran forward Mika Vukona.

Just months shy of his 37th birthday, Vukona keeps finding ways to inspire teammates.

The Bullets are a better team when the Kiwi is on court. He sets frightening screens, pulls down rebounds when outnumbered and still has reliable touch around the basket.

"Mika made a left-hand hook that I haven't seen in years. I thought Mika was tough today," Breakers coach Keven Braswell said of his former teammate.

Lemanis has coached the Suva-born forward for almost a decade and is still dazzled by his toughness.

"Mika's a special player. I've been fortunate to be around him for a long time and he does some amazing things," he said.

"He does some stuff that's hard to comprehend.

"He puts his body in situations where it's not supposed to go."






AAP