{"id":473376,"date":"2026-02-11T18:32:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/473376\/"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:32:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:32:09","slug":"stakes-have-increased-dramatically-rivals-chase-psychological-edge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/473376\/","title":{"rendered":"“Stakes have increased dramatically”: Rivals chase psychological edge"},"content":{"rendered":"

Much has been made of the fiery clash between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Sydney Kings on Sunday at John Cain Arena.<\/p>\n

Individuals such as Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari and Kings co-owner and assistant coach Andrew Bogut have critiqued the comments between Brian Goorjian and Owen Foxwell, but former MVP Derek Rucker believes these kinds of feuds are good for the league.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t see any negative that can come out of this; it shows you where the league is. Everybody wants it so bad, and the stakes have increased dramatically,\u201d Rucker said on Wednesday\u2019s episode of NBL Now.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is so protective of the psychological edge. No one wants to give somebody else the upper hand towards a championship.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that’s a price that [they\u2019d both] be willing to pay [if it results in a championship].\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The 1990 MVP also shut down talk that this altercation would negatively impact the Australian Boomer, believing the infrastructure at the Phoenix will ensure he bounces back better than ever.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t change who you are, man,\u201d Rucker said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo out there and maintain that self-esteem, that confidence and that edge that you play and carry yourself with.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Phoenix next face Tasmania on Saturday night at John Cain Arena from 8pm AEDT, live on ESPN.<\/p>\n

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