Phoenix coach sees red over Creek injury

Steve Barrett |

Mitch Creek has been suffering from a lack of protection, his Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell says.
Mitch Creek has been suffering from a lack of protection, his Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell says.

South East Melbourne coach Simon Mitchell has hit out at the lack of protection for Mitch Creek after the Phoenix’s premier player was sent to hospital with an eye injury following their 94-85 NBL loss to the Cairns Taipans.

MVP candidate Creek finished with a game-high 25 points on Sunday but didn’t see out the match after receiving a poke to his left eye from Taipans import DJ Hogg with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.

After Creek left the court for treatment, he returned to the bench in clear discomfort for the last few minutes of play before going to hospital.

While the incident was accidental, Mitchell was critical that no foul was called on Hogg, adding insult to injury as Phoenix plunged to their fourth successive loss

“I think he (Creek) might be going to hospital on a no-call,” Mitchell said.

“He can’t see out of the eye so I think they’re going to have to take him to hospital.”

Last Wednesday against Sydney, Creek was bowled over by Shaun Bruce, allowing Xavier Cooks to launch down the middle for a dunk, which outraged Mitchell on the sideline.

“We saw him get cannoned through the last game with a no-call,” Mitchell said.

“He’s a premier player in this league and he needs to get looked after.

“You can’t have guys losing minutes over the course of games and not getting whistled.

“Really disappointed.”

AAP